MAKING GEOGRAPHICAL CONNECTIONS PROPOSAL TO HOST INTERNATIONAL GEOGRAPHICAL CONGRESS 2028

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA MELBOURNE | AUSTRALIA IGC 2028 1 KEY INFORMATION INTERNATIONAL GEOGRAPHICAL CONGRESS 2028

DATE OF BID SUBMISSION PROPOSED DATES 31 January, 2020 This document is based on the Convention taking place over the following dates:

HOST CITY 9 - 14 July, 2028 Melbourne, Australia EXPECTED DELEGATES PROPOSED VENUE 2,000 plus Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC)

CONTACTS

Dr Catherine Phillips Ian Rutherfurd Mr Jason Balkin Senior Lecturer Associate Professor Director of International Bidding School of Geography School of Geography Melbourne Convention Bureau University of Melbourne University of Melbourne Collins Square, Tower Two 221 Bouverie Street 221 Bouverie Street Level 28, 727 Collins Street Carlton, Victoria 3053 Carlton, Victoria 3053 Melbourne, Victoria 3008 Australia Australia Australia T +61 3 9002 2310 T +61 3 9035 3187 T +61 3 8344 3172 M +61 429 553 184 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

CONFIDENTIALITY

This bid document has been prepared solely for the purpose of the International Geographical Congress 2028. It contains information which is confidential, commercial-in-confidence and/or proprietary to Melbourne Convention Bureau (MCB), and is for the information of the addressee only. The addressee agrees to treat this document accordingly, including not disclosing it (or any part of it) to any third party without the prior written consent of MCB. MCB reserves all of its rights at law, including taking any necessary legal action, in the event that the addressee (or any third party disclosee) breaches or threatens to breach such confidentiality obligations.

MELBOURNE | AUSTRALIA IGC 2028 2 CONTENTS

Executive summary 4 THE VENUE 41

Invitation from host organisations 6 Melbourne 42

Welcome to Melbourne 8 Melbourne’s track record 43

Our history 9 Attracting delegates to Melbourne 44

SUPPORT FOR THE CONGRESS 10 Average cost comparison 45

Supporting Geography Societies 11 Safety and security 46

Letter of support summary 12 Sustainable events 47

Local organising committee 15 Why MCEC is the right choice 48

National organising committee 17 South Wharf precinct 49

International advisory committee 18 A sustainable city 50

Financial support 19 Sustainable conference venue 51

Professional conference organiser 20 PLANNING YOUR TRIP 52

THE CONGRESS 21 Travel information 53

Proposed congress theme 22 Visa information 54

Operationalising the theme 23 Our airline connections 55

Congress objectives 24 Getting around Melbourne 56

Advantages of the Melbourne bid 25 Accommodation for every purpose 57

Proposed programme 26 Accommodation map 58

Proposed schedule 27 New hotel openings 59

Welcome reception and gala dinner 28 Low cost accommodation 60

In-congress field excursions 29 EXPERIENCES LIVE HERE 61

Timing of the congress 31 Local Melbourne 62

Timeline 32 Self-guided experiences 63

Congress finances 33 Aboriginal Victoria 65

Participant support programme 34 Regional Victoria 66

Congress diversity and inclusivity 35 Unique Australia 67

Congress scientific products 36 Asia Pacific region 68

Pre and post congress events 37 APPENDICES 69

MELBOURNE | AUSTRALIA IGC 2028 3 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Thank you for the opportunity to submit a proposal for PROVEN RECORD IN ATTRACTING Melbourne to be selected as the host destination for the HIGH DELEGATE NUMBERS International Geographical Congress in 2028 (IGC2028). Melbourne has been voted Australasia’s Leading Meetings Melbourne offers the following key strengths in relation to and Conference Destination at the 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 this bid: and 2018 World Travel Awards. The appeal of Melbourne as a globally desirable place to EXCEPTIONAL RESEARCH COMMUNITY visit will encourage attendance to IGC2028. Melbourne hosts a vibrant academic culture, and each University is represented in the Local Organising SUPPORT FOR DELEGATES Committee. The geographical research community in FROM DEVELOPING COUNTRIES Australia and New Zealand is exceptional, well-connected Melbourne understands the strategic importance in internationally, and enthusiastic about hosting the Congress. attracting delegates from developing countries to attend IGC2028. The financial support secured from State TIME TO CELEBRATE Government can be used to provide travel grants for delegates to attend the Congress in Melbourne. 2028 marks the 70th Anniversary of the Institute of Australian Geographers (IAG), and the 40th anniversary of the last IGC in Australia, and the Southern Hemisphere SUPPORT FOR STUDENTS & ECR DELEGATES (Sydney 1988). It’s an excellent time to celebrate the Melbourne shares the value of educating the future accomplishments of Geography by sharing the discipline’s professionals of the world. The State Government funding accomplishments and extending our networks. can be used to contribute towards scholarships and grants for students and young researchers to attend IGC2028. UNIQUE EXCURSIONS Melbourne is Australia’s best student city, and is now the third best student city in the world according to the QS For many participants, this may be a once-in-a-lifetime Best Student Cities 2018 ranking. trip. To connect participants with the region’s complex ecologies, cultures and challenges, we are planning a series of expert-led scientific field excursions in Melbourne, AUSTRALIA’S PREMIER CONFERENCE CITY across Australia, and around Oceania. The opportunity Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) for touristic exploration is also exceptional at the IGC’s is Australia’s largest and most versatile convention and planned time. exhibition facility. MCEC offers state-of-the-art audio visual and has been voted Australasia’s Leading Meetings and AFFORDABLE CONGRESS Conference Centre for seven consecutive years, 2012-2018. Melbourne is committed to making IGC2028 affordable for all delegates. As a result, we can offer a number of benefits to delegates, including:

> Up to 10% off Qantas Airways’ published rates for delegates and their families; > Reduced accommodation rates for delegates and their families; > Low cost university accommodation options (approx. 1,000 rooms) > Low registration fees; > Free public tram travel in the city centre; > Free Wi-Fi in the city of Melbourne and at the Congress venue; > Funding secured for travel grants and scholarships for delegates to attend the Congress in Melbourne.

FINANCIAL SUPPORT Melbourne will provide financial support of up to AU$575,000 in sponsorship for the Congress. The majority of this funding is upfront cash payments from the State Government of Victoria, payable before the meeting commences to minimise any financial risk associated with running the Congress. AU$75,000 of this support is being contributed by the hosting organisations.

MELBOURNE | AUSTRALIA IGC 2028 4 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

MARVELLOUS MELBOURNE Set on the shores of picturesque Port Phillip Bay, the southern-most city of mainland Australia is rich in aesthetics with its beauty enhanced by the meandering Yarra River, immaculate parks and gardens, public art, classical buildings and innovative design.

STABLE AND PROSPEROUS VIBRANT GEOGRAPHY EDUCATION Only western economy to achieve growth Geography is an important component of during the global financial crisis and Australia’s school curriculum. continuing 17 years of uninterrupted It is compulsory to study geography in prosperity. Australian secondary schools. Global top 15 countries for ease of doing Australia has over 2,000 geography business. teachers. In 2018, eight of the 22 Australian CULTURALLY DIVERSE universities with a geography major ranked Over 200 countries, 180 languages in the world’s top 100. and 110 religious faiths represented. The Australian Geography Teachers World’s Most Liveable City 2011-2017. Association is represented on our National Organising Committee This proposal includes educators from OLDEST LIVING CULTURE IN all levels to enhance excellence in THE WORLD geographical education. Known as the Kulin Nation to its traditional owners, Melbourne has a rich Indigenous EASY VISA APPLICATION PROCESS culture dating back more than 40,000 years. The Australian Government is committed AUSTRALIA’S PREMIER to making conferences in Australia easy to attend, facilitated by the International Event CONFERENCE CITY Coordinator Network (IECN) – a designated Australasia’s Leading Meetings and group of immigration experts. Further Conference Destination information on Australia’s visa application (2019 World Travel Awards). process is included on page 57. Australia’s highest concentration of conference facilities. The convention district EASY ACCOMMODATION ACCESS offers more than 197,000 square metres of TO CONVENTION CENTRE conference space, the pinnacle of which is Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. Over 7,600 rooms available within a ten-minute walk of the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC). FREE WI-FI Melbourne’s city centre has Australia’s More than 25,000 rooms within a 10-minute commute of the CBD. largest and fastest free Wi-Fi network.

CLIMATE HIGH LEVEL SAFETY AND SECURITY Melbourne’s climate is characterised by low One of the world’s safest, friendliest and humidity and little rainfall, with four distinct cleanest destinations; Melbourne is ranked seasons to enjoy. Average temperatures are inside the top 10 in the 2019 Safe Cities Index. listed below. Accredited as an international ‘Safe City’ by the Summer - 25°C/78°F December - February World Health Organisation. Autumn - 21°C/69°F March - May Winter - 16°C/58°F June - August EXCELLENT CONNECTIVITY Spring - 20°C/67°F September – November 35 international airlines fly direct to Melbourne from 42 destinations, 600 times per week.

MELBOURNE | AUSTRALIA IGC 2028 5 INVITATION FROM THE HOST ORGANISATIONS

This proposal to host the IGC2028 in Melbourne is a joint The Institute’s links with the New Zealand Geographical bid from the Institute of Australian Geographers and the Society (approx. 300 members) and Australian School of Geography, University of Melbourne. Geographical Teachers Association (approx. 2000 members) already provides a strong foundation to The Institute of Australian Geographers (IAG) welcomes the encourage diverse attendance and to negotiate discounts opportunity to host the International Geographical Congress for Congress attendees. of 2028 in Australia. Many of our members, including those on the bid’s Organising Committees, are recognised as Primary financial and moral responsibility for the IGC2028 exceptional scholars and leaders in their fields. Holding the organising will be taken by the IAG. The IAG will take a IGC2028 in Melbourne would mark two anniversaries: 40 key role in IGC2028 organising by supporting pre- and/ years since the IGC was held in the Southern Hemisphere or post-Congress events through its study groups and (Sydney 1988) and 70 years since the formation of the IAG. seeking additional funding for keynote speakers through We feel this represents an exciting opportunity to celebrate its publishing relationships. In addition, it will provide and enhance geography in the region, and the world. We cash sponsorship (AU$25,000) to support organising and have chosen Melbourne because it is a large, dynamic, well- participant sponsorship. serviced city with excellent geographical expertise across THE CURRENT COUNCIL COMPRISES: four universities. We believe it will provide an exceptional experience for attendees. President: Associate Professor Beverley Clarke, Flinders University INSTITUTE OF AUSTRALIAN GEOGRAPHERS (IAG) Vice-President (President Elect): Associate Professor Robyn Bartel, University of New England The IAG (https://www.iag.org.au/) is the principal body representing geographers in Australia. It was established Vice-President (Past President): in 1958, and joined the International Geographers Union Professor Ian Rutherfurd, University of Melbourne in 1960. Since its founding, the IAG has promoted and

supported the study and application of Geography across Honorary Secretary: Associate Professor Jennifer Carter, University of the Australia, in the Oceanic region, and internationally. The Sunshine Coast Institute has approximately 350 members including geographers employed in research, education, and applied Honorary Treasurer fields as well as postgraduate students. The IAG works to Dr Paul McFarland, University of New England advance geographic knowledge and enhance Geography’s Honorary Membership Secretary: influence through a variety of activities, including: Dr Tod Jones, Curtin University > Publishing the internationally-refereed and Secretary (Web), Public Officer: -distributed journal Geographical Research (ISI 43/89 Julie Kesby in Geography; Impact Factor 1.565) through John Wiley & Sons publishing. Councillors: Dr Hugo Bekle, University of Notre Dame Australia > Hosting an annual conference (with 200-300 Dr Catherine Phillips, University of Melbourne registrants), with every fourth year held as a joint Dr Meg Sherval, University of Newcastle conference with the New Zealand Geographical Society (with 400-500 registrants). Postgraduate Rep: Charishma Ratnam, University of New South Wales > Providing financial and organisation support for several sub-disciplinary study groups. > Adjudicating a series of geographical awards for exceptional research, teaching, and/or applied geography across a range of career stages and sub- disciplinary interests. > Actively lobbying government and other organisations on strategic matters, including the status of the subject in educational systems and research priorities.

For the IGC2028 bid, the IAG President will act as Co-Chair (along with the Head of the University of Melbourne’s School of Geography) of the National Organising Committee. Through this representation, and liaising with the IAG Council, the Institute will assist in developing the Congress programme and promoting the event widely in academic and practitioner networks.

MELBOURNE | AUSTRALIA IGC 2028 6 INVITATION FROM THE HOST ORGANISATIONS

SCHOOL OF GEOGRAPHY, UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE (SoG)

The School of Geography (https://geography.unimelb. edu.au/home) at the University of Melbourne is excited by the possibility of co-hosting the IGC2028 in Melbourne. Geography has been taught at the University of Melbourne for over 50 years. The School moved into the Science Faculty in 2015, and has since embarked upon an exciting period of growth. The School has exceptional researchers and teachers working in and across the social and natural sciences. It has recently been ranked 15th in the world (QS rankings, 2019), and the University of Melbourne is the sole university rated by the Australian Research Council as 5-star (‘exceeding world standards’) in both human and physical geography (ARC, 2019). Our academic programme includes Bachelor, Master, and PhD degrees in which students focus on human, physical, or integrated studies. We are proud of the interdisciplinarity of our School, and endeavour to share geographical knowledge through academic, public, and policy engagement.

The School of Geography (SoG) will serve as the local point of contact, and a core of the Local Organising Committee is made up of its staff. Though the SoG will provide leadership in local organising, we are keen for the bid and the Congress to reflect wider interests. Therefore, the LOC includes members from the four universities within Melbourne with strong geographical interests. As part of the SoG’s involvement, the Head of School will act as the Co-Chair of the National Organising Committee. The School’s faculty and students will also be involved in leading and/or organising field trips, social activities, and side events (academic and public). Additionally, the SoG is proud to offer cash sponsorship of AU$25,000 to support attendance from low/low-middle income countries, especially by post-graduate students. The School has negotiated to have this support matched by the University of Melbourne.

MELBOURNE | AUSTRALIA IGC 2028 7 WELCOME TO MELBOURNE

Melbourne is a cosmopolitan city with a dynamic Australia’s social and ecological well-being were arts and cultural scene, consistently ranked as one recently reviewed in a decadal strategic plan by of the world’s most liveable cities. Melbourne is also the Academy of Science’s National Committee for a leading global centre of geographical scholarship. Geographical Sciences. As it suggests, geographic The University of Melbourne hosts an outstanding research has made extensive contributions to School of Geography, recently ranked as 15th in the addressing key issues faced by Australia and the world (QS rankings, 2019). Across the city, there region, and the discipline’s relevance will only grow in are strong Geography programmes at Monash the face of complex global challenges. University, RMIT University and Deakin University. The Australian geographers have strong connections Geography Teachers Association of Victoria, part of with geographical institutions in New Zealand, the the Australian Geography Teachers Association, leads Oceanic region, and worldwide. Connections to the discipline in secondary schools and builds strong Indigenous communities and countries of the Pacific relationships between secondary and tertiary sectors. and Southeast Asia are integral to the practice of Melbourne provides a perfect geographical setting Geography in Australia. The diverse experiences in which to consider the themes of space, place and of climate change across the region provide many environment that lie at the heart of the discipline, as instructive examples for the international Geography well as being ideally located to explore other parts of community. Australia and Oceania. Australia’s distinctive landscapes and biodiversity have evolved on a fire-prone continent of low fertility. It has a 65,000 year record of human presence and landscape interaction, attested by the archaeological record and the ongoing connections of Indigenous peoples. Colonial settler transformations of the landscape formed the basis of modern Australia, where migrants from all corners of the globe make new homes and form a vibrant multicultural society.

Geography is an exciting and vibrant discipline in Australian schools and universities more broadly. Both human and physical branches of the discipline are researched in universities, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) and other organisations. The discipline is highly supported and promoted by public societies, and applied by geographers working in government, the private sector and non-government organisations. The significance of geographical research to

MELBOURNE | AUSTRALIA IGC 2028 8 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY

The local host organisations and the City of Melbourne respectfully acknowledges the Traditional Owners of our Land.

For the Woiwurrung (Wurundjeri), Boonwurrung, Taungurong, Dja Dja Wurrung and the Wathaurung groups who form the Kulin Nation, Melbourne has always been an important meeting place for events of social, educational, sporting and cultural significance.

Today we are proud to say that Melbourne is a significant gathering place for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We warmly welcome visitors from all over our world to meet in Melbourne, with a unique spirit that is unmistakably Australian.

The local hosts are committed to advancing understanding between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in Austra- lia. We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land on which we will meet, and pay our respects to the Wurundjeri Elders – past, present and future. ‘Country’ has a particu- lar meaning for Aboriginal communities in Australia, and we recognise the importance of building and sustaining connections to Country during the Congress. The Opening Ceremony/Welcome Reception and field excursions will provide opportunities to form connections among partic- ipants and Melbourne’s Aboriginal culture. With a suc- cessful bid, we will seek additional ways to ensure strong involvement by Indigenous colleagues in the organising and programming of the Congress

MELBOURNE | AUSTRALIA IGC 2028 9 SUPPORT FOR THE CONGRESS SUPPORTING GEOGRAPHY SOCIETIES

The national and state-based geography organisations The GSNSW is committed to supporting the IGC2028, and of Australia and New Zealand have indicated strong will promote the event among its membership and within support for the bid. For example, the IGC2028 would broader networks. It will also host a pre- or post-conference replace the major joint conference that is normally held workshop to complement the Congress programme. by the Institute of Australian Geographers (IAG) and the New Zealand Geographical Society (NZGS) organisations The New Zealand Geographical Society: every four years. We would have expected 400-500 Founded in 1944, the NZGS aims to foster geography and geographers to attend that conference, and these its application throughout New Zealand. The Society has geographers will represent a core of attendees for the six branches across New Zealand with a membership of Congress. The Australian Geography Teachers Association almost 300 people from a range of sectors (government, (AGTA) conference will also be held in parallel with the industry, education, non-governmental). For over 50 years, IGC2028, allowing participants of each conference to it has produced the internationally refereed New Zealand attend designated joint-sponsored sessions. Further, Geographer. The Society maintains strong ties with other to ensure continuing involvement and support of these geographical associations; it holds a joint conference with organisations, Presidents of the national geographical the Institute of Australian Geographers every four years, organisations of Australia and New Zealand, as well as and the Society’s membership participate regularly in IGU AGTA, are included on the National Organising Committee. events and Commissions. The NZGS is proud to advocate this bid to host IGC2028 in Melbourne by shifting the joint SUPPORTING GEOGRAPHICAL SOCIETIES FOR NZGS-IAG conference to 2028 and encouraging widespread IGC2028 INCLUDE: attendance of our membership. The Society is represented on the National Organising Committee for the bid by its The Royal Geographical Society of Queensland: President, and it will provide support by sponsoring sessions Established in 1885, the Society promotes the study and facilitating of pre- and/or post-conference events such and science of Geography and encourages a greater as workshops, exhibitions, and field trips. understanding of the world around us. It is a voluntary, not-for-profit organisation that welcomes people from all The Australian Geography Teachers Association: walks of life who share an interest in places, Geography AGTA works to foster the teaching and learning of and the environment. The Society supports geographical geography in Australian schools, and to enhance education at all levels and offers a vibrant programme of awareness of geography’s application in society. It is the geographical activities including regular public lectures peak professional body for geography educators and is and scientific field excursions. The current membership of comprised of approximately 2000 members from the the RGSQ is 358. The RGSQ will support the IGC2028 by seven teacher associations representing Australia’s states promoting the Congress, encouraging members to attend, and territories. The Association maintains a productive and leading conference side events. relationship with other geographical associations, and the IGC2028 will provide an excellent opportunity to expand The Royal Geographical Society of South Australia: these relationships. The AGTA Chairperson has been Established in 1885, the RGSSA is a voluntary, not-for- included on the bid’s National Organising Committee. In profit organisation that operates to advance geographical addition, should the bid be successful, the Association science and promote public awareness of Geography. will explore options for its annual conference to be The Society publishes the South Australian Geographical hosted concurrent with the IGC2028 allowing for select Journal, hosts an extensive library, provides lectures on joint-sessions and for educator-focused pre- or post- topical issues, and supports awards for research and study conference events. of geography. Should the IGC2028 bid be successful, the RGSSA will advertise the event to its members and Letters of support from the RGSQ, RGSSA, work with the organising committees to plan satellite GSNSW, NZGS, and AGTA are included conference events. in Appendix 1, along with the other statements of support. The Geographical Society of New South Wales: The GSNSW represents geography and geographers to encourage and promote geographical scholarship. Founded in 1927, the Society publishes the Australian Geographer, leads study tours and field excursions, hosts a graduate student conference, and supports a number of geography awards. The membership is made up of professional geographers (in research, education, government, and other industries) and members of the public with interests in human and physical environments.

MELBOURNE | AUSTRALIA IGC 2028 11 LETTERS OF SUPPORT SUMMARY

The Local Organising Committee (LOC) has secured support of government, industry, and academic groups for hosting the IGC2028 in Melbourne. This includes each of the Geographical Societies in Australia and New Zealand, as well as all of the Australian Universities with geography units. All the letters of support can be found in Appendix 1.

LOCAL AND STATE GOVERNMENT

The Hon. The Hon. Ms Brigitta Rudnicki Ms Sally Capp Daniel Andrews MP Martin Pakula MP Director, Border & Events Lord Mayor of Premier of Victoria Minister for Tourism, Visas, Department of Melbourne Sport and Major Events Home Affairs

NATIONAL SCIENTIFIC ACADEMIES

Professor John Shine Dr Chris Hatherly President, Chief Executive Officer, The Australian Academy Academy of the Social of Science Sciences in Australia

GEOGRAPHY SOCIETIES

Associate Professor Professor Steve Turton Professor Lynda Johnston Professor Michael Roche Beverley Clarke Australian Academy of National President, RASNZ National Delegate President, Institute of Science National Delegate New Zealand Geographical for Geography Australian Geographers for Geography Society

Ms Trish Douglas Dr Rae Dufty-Jones Dr Iraphne RW Childs Mr Leigh Radford OAM Chairperson, Australian President, Geographical President, The Royal President, Royal Geography Teachers Society of New South Geographical Society of Geographical Society of Association Wales Queensland South Australia

MELBOURNE | AUSTRALIA IGC 2028 12 LETTERS OF SUPPORT SUMMARY

ACADEMIA

Professor Duncan Maskell Professor Lesley Head Professor Saul Cunningham Associate Professor Vice-Chancellor, Head, School of Geography, Director, Fenner School Kristian Ruming The University of Melbourne The University of Melbourne of Environment & Society, Head of Department, Australian National Department of Geography University and Planning, Macquarie University

Professor Andrew Dr Megan Farrelly Professor David Taylor Professor Robin Goodman MacIntosh Associate Professor, Human Head, Department of Dean, School of Global, Head of Earth, Atmosphere Geography, Geography, National Urban and Social Studies, and Environment, Monash Monash University University of Singapore RMIT University University

Dr Melissa Nursey-Bray Dr Michael Reid Professor Alistair Poore Associate Professor Interim Head of School, Convenor Geography and Head of School, School Kathy Mee School of Social Sciences, Planning, University of New of Biological, Earth and Head of Discipline University of Adelaide England Environmental Sciences, of Geography and University of New South Environmental Studies, Wales University of Newcastle

Professor Jonathan Professor Bill Pritchard Professor Matt King Professor Jane Balme Aitchison Head, School of Head of Geography and Head of School of Science, Head of School, Earth Geosciences, The University Spatial Sciences, University University of Western and Environmental of Sydney of Tasmania Australia Sciences, The University of Queensland

Professor Guang R Shi Professor Gordon Waitt Professor Nicky Morrison Senior Professor and Head Head, School of Geography Geography Discipline of School, University of and Sustainable Leader, Western Sydney Wollongong Communities, University of University Wollongong

MELBOURNE | AUSTRALIA IGC 2028 13 LETTERS OF SUPPORT SUMMARY

TOURISM INDUSTRY

Ms Julia Swanson Mr Peter King Mr Max R Wood Mr Jai McDermott Chief Executive Officer Chief Executive Director Executive Corporate and Public Affairs

Ms Martine Letts Chief Executive Officer

MELBOURNE | AUSTRALIA IGC 2028 14 LOCAL ORGANISING COMMITTEE

The planning, programming, and organising of IGC2028 will be undertaken by three committees: the Local Organising Committee (LOC); the National Organising Committee (NOC); and the International Advisory Committee (IAC). Each Committee strives to balance academic, gender, and geographic representation as a means to fostering a diverse and dynamic IGC2024. The IGC2028 Local Organising Committee (LOC) will be responsible for the logistics and details of the Congress. The members are drawn from the four universities across Melbourne that have strong geography expertise: the University of Melbourne, Deakin University, Monash University, and RMIT University. A core group of local organisers come from the School of Geography at the University of Melbourne, which will act as the local point of contact.

Brian Cook is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Geography Ben Cooke is a Senior Lecturer and human geographer at the University of Melbourne. His research explores the in Sustainability and Urban Planning at RMIT University. topics of water, risk, scientific knowledge, and expertise. He teaches environmental management and applied His research emphasises the role of scientific knowledge environmental research skills. Ben has research interests in in environmental governance, situating the work at the the social and political dimensions of nature conservation, science-society interface. Much of his recent research has including protected areas, urban greening and market explored public participation and engagement, exploring instruments in conservation. the possibilities of grassroots disaster risk reduction.

David Bissell is Australian Research Council Future Fellow Ruth Lane is a Senior Lecturer and human geographer in and Associate Professor in the School of Geography at the the School of Social Sciences at Monash University. Her University of Melbourne. He combines qualitative research research and teaching is focused on the intersections on embodied practices with social theory to explore the between social change, environmental degradation and social, political and ethical consequences of mobile lives. He environmental governance. She has examined this through is author of Transit Life: How Commuting Is Transforming geographies of waste, reuse and materials recycling, and Our Cities (MIT Press, 2018), and co-editor of Stillness in through the social and cultural aspects of land use change a Mobile World (2011), and the Routledge Handbook of in rural and regional Australia. Mobilities (2014). He is Managing Editor of Social & Cultural Geography and Steering Committee Chair for AusMob, the Australian Mobilities Research Network.

Sarah McSweeney is a lecturer and researcher in coastal Timothy Neale is a DECRA (Discovery Early Career Research geomorphology at the University of Melbourne. Her work Award) Senior Research Fellow and Senior Lecturer in investigates how coastal landforms, especially estuaries, Anthropology and Geography at Deakin University. His respond to changes in wave energy, climate, sea level rise, research concerns the intersections between settler-Indigenous and human activities. Sarah’s current projects focus on politics, natural hazards, and environmental governance. He estuary processes and management and the evolution of is the author of Wild Articulations: Environmentalism and estuaries and beach ridges in Australia and New Zealand. Indigeneity in Northern Australia (2017) and a member of the editorial collective of the journal Postcolonial Studies.

MELBOURNE | AUSTRALIA IGC 2028 15 LOCAL ORGANISING COMMITTEE

Catherine Phillips is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Ian Rutherfurd s a Professor in the School of Geography at the University of Melbourne. Her research Geography at the University of Melbourne. He is a fluvial explores the biopolitics of multi-species relations, geomorphologist and geographer whose research with recent projects oriented around agrifood futures, explores human impacts on river channels, interactions discard cultures, and urban natures. She authored Saving between vegetation and rivers, and the dynamics of fine More Than Seeds: Practices and politics of seed saving and coarse sediment pulses in rivers. Research projects (2013/2016), co-edited Vegetal Politics: Belonging, include sites in Australia, South East Asia, China, the USA, practices and places (2015/2017), and is currently a Canada, South Africa. Ian is the Vice-President (Past Councillor in the IAG. President) of the IAG, past president of the Australia New Zealand Geomorphology Group, and past co-president of the Geography Teachers Association of Victoria.

Elissa Waters is Australia Research Council Research Fellow in Climate Change Adaptation Governance in the School of Geography at the University of Melbourne. Her work focuses on the social and political dimensions of climate change and disaster governance in Australia and the Pacific. Elissa has also worked as a researcher for the Australian and Victorian State Government developing policy on natural resource management, climate change adaptation, and international development.

MELBOURNE | AUSTRALIA IGC 2028 16 NATIONAL ORGANISING COMMITTEE

The NOC will be co-chaired by the President of the Institute of Australian Geographers and the Head of the School of Geography at the University of Melbourne. The remaining members are drawn from universities in Australia and New Zealand, with additional representation from the Australian Geography Teachers Association and Academy of Science’s Future Earth Australia. The IGU national representatives from Australia and New Zealand are also members.

BEVERLY CLARKE TRISH DOUGLAS IAN FULLER KATHERINE GIBSON LESLEY HEAD University of Melbourne Flinders University Australian Geography Massey University Western Sydney President, Institute of Teachers Association University Australian Geographers

RICHIE HOWITT LYNDA JOHNSTON JAMIE KIRKPATRICK SARAH LOVELL PAULINE MCGUIRK Macquarie University University of Waikato University of Tasmania University of University of Wollongong President, New Zealand Canterbury, NZ Geographical Society

TAYANAH O’DONNELL JAMIE PECK BILL PRITCHARD MICHAEL ROCHE MATTHEW TONTS Future Earth Australia Western Sydney University of Sydney Massey University, University of Western University IGU New Zealand Australia national representative

STEVE TURTON CQ University, IGU Australia national representative

MELBOURNE | AUSTRALIA IGC 2028 17 INTERNATIONAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE

The proposed International Advisory Committee (IAC) will include select IGU Executive and Commission Chairs as well as past IGC Chairs who will provide valuable insight gained from their past experiences. The composition of the Committee will also represent geography’s main sub-disciplines and the international character of the IGU to ensure the Congress’s relevance to a global audience. Should this bid prove successful, we anticipate expanding the IAC.

At this point, the following have already agreed to offer their expertise to the Committee:

RON ABLER RUTH FINCHER BARBAROS IAIN HAY NATHALIE PennState University, University of GÖNENÇGIL Flinders University, LEMARCHAND USA Melbourne, Australia Istanbul University, Australia Université Paris, Turkey France

SUSAN LOMAS SURAJ MAL NIAMH MOORE- STELLA MOREIRAS INOCENT MOYO Geographical Association, University of Delhi, CHERRY University of Cuyo University of Zululand, United Kingdom India University College Argentina South Africa Dublin, Ireland

ROSEMARY DAVID TAYLOR SUSANA TAUA’A ALFONSINA TRIPALDI SHIKANGALAH National University of National University of Universidad de Buenos University of Namibia, Singapore, Singapore Samoa, Samoa Aires, Argentina Namibia

MELBOURNE | AUSTRALIA IGC 2028 18 FINANCIAL SUPPORT

THE LOC AND MCB HAVE ALREADY SECURED A SUPPORT PACKAGE OF UP TO: AU$575,000 (US$402,500 / €356,500) Exchange rate: 1AU$ = 0.70 US$ / 0.62 EUR

The State Government of Victoria is providing funding of AU$500,000 in support of the bid and IGC. This will be used for promotional activities, travel grants for disadvantaged delegates, keynote expenses, and offsetting venue hire costs. Government officials will be invited to welcome attendees and officiate ICG2028 ceremonies.

The Institute of Australian Geographers has agreed to cash sponsorship of AU$25,000.

The University of Melbourne has approved AU$25,000 to sponsor attendance by participants (especially students) from low- and low/middle-income countries.

The School of Geography at the University of Melbourne has committed AU$25,000 to support post-graduate and early-career researcher attendance by people from disadvantaged countries.

Financial support from various publishers (Wiley, Taylor & Francis) has been secured for previous geography conferences, and we would anticipate similar support for IGC2028.

We also anticipate sponsorship will come from the spatial science industry (Google, ESRi, etc.) based on previous sponsorship of past IGCs.

MELBOURNE | AUSTRALIA IGC 2028 19 PROFESSIONAL CONFERENCE ORGANISER

The Local Organising Committee will work with the Melbourne Convention Bureau (MCB) to appoint a Professional Conference Organiser in adherence to all IGU regulations and by-laws. A tender process for these services will commence in late 2020 should Melbourne be selected as the host city for the 2028 Congress.

ABOUT MELBOURNE CONVENTION BUREAU BEST CITIES GLOBAL ALLIANCE Melbourne Convention Bureau (MCB) is a partnership MCB is a founding member of the BestCities Global between the Victorian state and local government and Alliance; a network of 12 international convention private enterprise, responsible for attracting international bureaux – Berlin, Bogota, Cape Town, Copenhagen, conventions and meetings to Victoria for over 40 years. Dubai, Edinburgh, Houston, Singapore, Vancouver, Tokyo, With staff and representation in five countries, our Madrid and Melbourne – committed to a quality assured established networks across government, industry and convention bureau service charter. academia will ensure MCB will be with you every step of the way. bestcities.net

melbournecb.com.au

ASSISTANCE FROM MCB MCB will support the Congress by providing a suite of services including:

A dedicated senior representative of MCB’s Convention Servicing department appointed as Introduction to Qantas your primary point of contact to support you until the end of the Congress.

Access to low cost, high impact bespoke Engaging support from the City of Melbourne destination promotion tools to promote your event such as presentation slides, banners, postcards, video content, images and maps

Introduction to Business Events Australia A Melbourne widget to embed on the (a division of Tourism Australia) and their conference website to promote touring marketing tools and initiatives opportunities

Introduction to the IECN – International Event Access to MCB’s staff located in London, Coordinator Network which provides free New York, Washington DC, Kuala Lumpur and advice on visas to event organisers Shanghai to assist with promoting the Congress in their regions

Venue and supplier sourcing and tendering Providing Melbourne visitor guides and maps though our membership of over 240 relevant for delegates businesses including Professional Conference Organisers and Destination Management Companies

Securing competitive hotel room blocks

MELBOURNE | AUSTRALIA IGC 2028 20 THE CONGRESS PROPOSED CONGRESS THEME

MAKING GEOGRAPHICAL CONNECTIONS have given rise to troubling forms of dispossession and harm. This vexed colonialism of Australia provides a “Once you begin to see how everything is connected to stimulus to consider how new, more ethical qualities everything else there is no turning back” (Dorling and Lee, of connecting with other humans and nonhumans are 2016). urgently required to make this planet a more equitable and just place. Geography is fundamentally about connections. Geographers weave connections across space, economies, With the theme Making Geographical Connections, we and cultures. Investigating connections is fundamental hope to reflect the diversity and dynamism of Geography to studying processes -- how complex inter-relationship as a discipline. It will attract a range of papers from develop, fail, reform, and the implications of these physical and human geography, and papers that form dynamics. A change in how elements relate can alter other connections among the various subfields of Geography associations within the same process, or at a different will be particularly encouraged. We will welcome sessions scale. Connections are also about movement. Geographers and papers that engage directly with the theme, as well as explore material and social flows, for instance, as those exploring other areas of geography. Inspiration for movements of water through landscapes, migrations of sessions or papers would include (but not be limited to): people within or between countries, or take-up of policy across governing jurisdictions. Connection also informs > Connecting physical and human geographies: notions of systems and networks, whether they involve developing intra-disciplinary approaches to global biophysical, human, or informational elements (or, most challenges likely, a mix of these). > Connecting disciplines: enhancing links among humanities, social sciences, and sciences In a world that so often seems characterised by fracture and disconnection, our hope is that this conference > Connecting continents: bringing together and will create enduring alliances. Through the conference comparing insights from around the world we will form new relationships and reconnect with > Connecting academic, policy, public realms: building colleagues from northern, southern, eastern, and western collective expertise and finding new ways of engaging hemispheres. Recognition of complex relationships involved in tackling global challenges leads geographers > Connecting geographical education: strengthening to form connections of expertise within the discipline and links among geography educators across levels beyond it. The theme provides an exciting opportunity for participants to identify and share geographical connections from their own work, and use these connections to develop new geographical knowledge.

Melbourne provides a stimulating location to consider the diversity and complexity of geographical connections. Successive waves of migration to Australia as well as its status as a top global tourist destination connect Melbourne to places around the world. These connections that are created by mobility prompt vital questions about how we connect with others, how positive connections between people and place can be nurtured, and the diversity of relationships that such connections set in train.

The city has deep connections to Country through its Indigenous cultural heritage. However, as a colonised nation, this setting demands consideration of how geographical connections in both the past and present

MELBOURNE | AUSTRALIA IGC 2028 22 OPERATIONALISING THE THEME

The Local Organising Committee has already fostered PLANNING SPECIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE PROGRAMME connections to ensure the proposed IGC2028 theme THAT FORM CONNECTIONS WITHIN AND BEYOND THE informs the bidding, planning, and programming. CONGRESS, SUCH AS Examples include: • Extensive in-programme and pre/post-Congress ENSURING THE THREE ORGANISING COMMITTEES fieldtrip options that will connect delegates with BRING TOGETHER the landscapes, cultures, and challenges of the region • Multiple sub-disciplines in physical and human • A short film festival and ‘Show-and-Tell’ sessions geography; that share diverse geographical connections to • Geography educators teaching at different grade practice in research and communication levels; • An ECR/Postgraduate programme that will foster • Diverse gender identities; and, connections among these scholars including • Geographers from varied locations: the LOC workshops, networking event, and mentoring connects four universities within Melbourne; the • A Geography@Melbourne programme of public NOC is comprised of geographers from each of events and art installations forming connections the Australian states and territories as well as New between geography and public audiences, and Zealand; the IAC has representatives from each encouraging participants to connect with the city inhabited continent. of Melbourne • Connections to Aboriginal communities through a ENGAGING A VARIETY OF KEY ORGANISATIONS TO planned ‘Welcome to Country’, fieldtrips, and a co- FOSTER CONNECTIONS, INCLUDING planned satellite event. • The LOC has negotiated with the Institute • Social activities including lunch get togethers for: of Australian Geographers and New Zealand Women in Geography, Geography Educators (co- Geographical Society to build connections with hosted with AGTA), and ECRs/Postgraduates/IGU the IGU through their annual conferences. The IAG Executive and NZGS will shift their joint conference from its usual timeline, which would normally place it in 2026 and 2030, to hold it instead as an exceptional joint conference at the IGC2028. This will form DISTRIBUTION connections between the national, regional, and The LOC will target potential attendees by international geographic communities. communicating with the mailing lists of the IGU, • The LOC has also been exploring options with the New Zealand Geographical Society, Institute Australian Geography Teachers’ Association to of Australian Geographers, and all other lists shift the timing of their conference (from the usual of regional and geographical significance (e.g. January to July) to coincide with the IGC2028 environmental educators, international relations) in Melbourne. Connections between the two conferences would be built through co-hosted sessions and events. This will advance connections across geographic education fields and grade levels. • Each of the state-based geographical societies in Australia and many of its Universities have endorsed the bid for IGC2028 in Melbourne. They will collaborate with the LOC to promote the Congress, organise themed sessions, plan side events such as regional workshops, and lead fieldtrips. This will promote connections among the Australian research community, across sub- disciplinary interests, and between local and non- Melbourne based delegates.

MELBOURNE | AUSTRALIA IGC 2028 23 CONGRESS OBJECTIVES

The central aim of this Congress does not differ from those of any other: to bring together the world’s geographers for the benefit of each geographer, the discipline, and our world. The focus of the Congress is learning (along with planning and collaborating). But we also are committed to sharing research that addressed the complex social and environmental problems faced by the world. We want IGC 2028 to be remembered for:

SHOWCASING AND STIMULATING NEW GEOGRAPHICAL SUPPORTING EARLY CAREER RESEARCHERS KNOWLEDGE IGC2028 will facilitate conference participation and career IGC2028 will showcase the very best new geographical development for postgraduate students and early career research that responds to the world’s most pressing researchers. This will be achieved through workshops problems. Through cutting edge keynotes and a diverse dedicated to academic skill development, poster and programme that represents geographical research from presentation sessions dedicated to postgraduate and early around the world, this Congress aims to stimulate new career researchers, a networking lunch, and ‘best paper’ research agendas by forging new connections between awards for student participants. researchers. ENSURING CONTINUITY WITHIN THE IGU GLOBALISING GEOGRAPHIC COMMUNITIES IGC2028 will establish a strong sense of progress by IGC2028 will facilitate new networks and understandings working from the plans and goals developed at the among attendees from the Northern and Southern 2022 Extraordinary Paris Congress and the 2024 Dublin hemispheres, and from academic and practitioner sectors. Congress. The International Advisory Committee will This will expand the reach of the IGU to build a stronger be particularly helpful in ensuring we all learn from and international organisation. advance the knowledge gained from previous IGU events.

FOSTERING REGIONAL CONNECTIONS NEW GEOGRAPHICAL APPRECIATIONS IGC2028 will galvanise the geographical community GC2028 will introduce geographers from around the world within the Oceania region. Dedicated Congress sessions to the wonder, complexities, and challenges of Australia, will reinvigorate commitments and provide a basis for New Zealand, and the South Pacific. It will do this through exploring possibilities for a new IGU Commission for showcasing research from this part of the world, as well as Studies in Oceania. through fieldtrips designed to provide delegates with an appreciation of the region’s geography. SOLVING GLOBAL CHALLENGES IGC2028 will be an outward-looking Congress where ADVANCING CLIMATE-CONSCIOUS CONFERENCING geographical challenges are solved not just posed. This IGC2028 develop a cutting-edge sustainability policy for will be achieved through knowledge translation activities the congress, building on the work of conferences such as during the Congress itself which will include ‘Show and the RGS-IBG. Long-haul flights play a key role in the carbon Tell’ sessions that highlight diverse research methods and footprint of a Congress in Australia. On the other hand, we communication forms, policy forums where researchers believe that de-centring the northern hemisphere dominance explore ways of translating their findings into socially of the disciplines is an important intellectual task. We will progressive actions, as well as diverse forms of media offer new forms of distance participation, including live coverage. streaming of plenaries and select sessions. Additionally, to move the Congress toward carbon neutrality we are PROMOTING INTER-SECTORAL KNOWLEDGE considering a range of measures related to energy and waste IGC2028 will emphasise the need to develop inter-sectoral minimisation as well as local transit options. understanding and collaboration by including attendees from outside academia such as policy-makers, activists, and school teachers. For instance, the Australian Geography Teachers Association annual conference will be held in tandem with the IGC2028, with designated joint-sessions.

ENGAGING WITH PUBLICS IGC2028 will advance public engagement of geography by organising a programme of side events during and leading up to the Congress that highlight geography’s contributions for wider audiences. This will be achieved through a series of non-traditional initiatives such as pub talks and open lectures, art installations with collaborating institutions, and a film festival with select open screenings.

HIGHLIGHTING ENGAGED SCHOLARSHIP IGC2028 will highlight the diverse expression of how geographers learn and communicate. Dedicated sessions will allow attendees to share their innovative scholarly work as participation, engagement, and/or intervention in formats beyond academic paper presentation or poster display.

MELBOURNE | AUSTRALIA IGC 2028 24 ADVANTAGES OF THE MELBOURNE BID FOR THE IGU

ENGAGING NEW PARTICIPANTS, GLOBALISING HOSTED IN AN AWARD-WINNING CONFERENCE INFLUENCE DESTINATION It will have been 40 years since Australia hosted the IGC For the sixth year, Melbourne was voted ‘Oceania’s in Sydney in 1988, the only time the Congress has been Leading Meetings and Conference Destination’ at the held in the Southern Hemisphere. Holding the IGC2028 World Travel Awards 2019. The ICG2028 will leverage in Melbourne would present a significant opportunity Melbourne’s appeal as a globally desirable place to visit to expand the influence and networks of the IGU to the which will facilitate optimum attendance. Southern Hemisphere. EXPERIENCING UNIQUE EXCURSIONS, LED BY EXPERTS SHARING IN CELEBRATION, MAKING NEW We recognise that for many coming from overseas, this CONNECTIONS trip may be a once-in-a-lifetime chance to engage with 2028 will be the 70th anniversary of the IAG. The IGC2028 the unique landscapes and cultures of Australia. Therefore, offers a chance to celebrate this milestone, along with the we are planning a series of singular field trips led by at accomplishments of geography more broadly. Celebrating least one expert in the fieldsite and subject. These trips in Melbourne would enhance participation in the IGU from include iconic as well as unexpected sites ranging from the locations well-connected with Australian geography, such Great Barrier Reef to Ramsar-protected waste treatment as the UK and Oceania. wetlands (see pgs 37-38)

FACILITATING NEW LEARNING RECOGNISING EXPERTISE, ADVANCING IGU AGENDAS A recently published report by the Australian Academy We are marshalling the expertise of local, national, and of Science details the rejuvenation that geography has international colleagues to ensure the success of IGC2028. undergone in Australia, highlighting the pivotal role By including an International Advisory Committee, we of geographers in this region for solving some of the will build on the experience of the Chairs of previous IGU world’s most pressing challenges that are felt especially events and the IGU Executive to further priorities set at acutely here. The IGC2028 therefore provides a valuable previous IGU events. We also have appropriate expertise opportunity for delegates to learn from, and contribute to, on the National and Local Organising Committees this region’s geographical expertise. to ensure an exciting, well-organised programme of international appeal. The strengths of each of these BENEFITTING FROM AN INTERNATIONALLY LEADING Committees will be complemented by the appointed CENTRE OF GEOGRAPHICAL SCHOLARSHIP Professional Conference Organiser supported by the The University of Melbourne is a global leader in Melbourne Convention Bureau. geographical research and education. By co-hosting and working with collaborating universities in the city of Melbourne, the IGC2028 will benefit from the vibrant academic culture of the School of Geography, and across the city. Break-out research and networking events held on campuses will help to forge new networks for the IGU. More broadly, the IGC2028 programme will benefit from the strong national and global connections that geographers in Melbourne have developed.

MELBOURNE | AUSTRALIA IGC 2028 25 PROPOSED PROGRAMME

The proposed program reflects an effort to maximise BOOK LAUNCHES AND MEET-THE-AUTHOR EVENTS participation opportunities for delegates. We recommend A venue and time (e.g. over lunches) will be reserved for that IGC2028 take place from Monday to Friday, with the launching books and/or showcasing major collaborative Opening Ceremony and Welcome Reception being held projects. Meet-the-Author sessions will be part of the on the Sunday evening. This will allow for people to arrive, thematic session scheduling. situate themselves, and socialise briefly before beginning the full 5-day schedule. Highlights include: AWARDS FOR STUDENT PAPERS AND POSTERS Including awards for students within the Congress will FREE EVENINGS provide recognition of exceptional scholarship and reward Aside from the Welcome Reception and optional Congress junior scholars in a way that can be reflected in future dinner, evenings have been left unscheduled. This will employment applications. We would anticipate enlisting allow the Commissions or other delegate groups to members of the Organising Committees and wider arrange group get-togethers and allow time for Congress geographical community for short, online peer-review, participants explore the city’s wide range of eating/ the results of which would determine a small number of drinking establishments and evening activities. awards. This has proven a successful strategy for previous THEMATIC SESSIONS IAG conferences. Paper presentations will be part of thematic sessions “GET TOGETHERS” proposed by IGU Commissions, by IAG or NZ study groups, These will be held for ECRs and Postgraduates, for or by groups of interested geographers. These thematic Geography Educators (co-hosted with AGTA), and for sessions may directly address the proposed Congress Women in Geography. We propose these be scheduled theme, or take another direction. These sessions may also to coincide with lunch. This timing will facilitate inclusion use forms of presentation other than papers, such as panel of participants with carer responsibilities and/or those discussions, workshops, or ‘meet-the-author’ sessions. travelling with families by not assuming evening availability, POSTER PRESENTATIONS and will still leave other times free for networking. A separate area will be designated for display and PUBLIC TALKS AND ART INSTALLATIONS discussion of scientific posters. Two sessions have been included in the proposed schedule. Digital and hardcopy We intend to use the conference to energise Geography display options are being investigated. across Melbourne through a Geography@Melbourne programme. This will involve collaboratively-run, FIELD EXCURSIONS geographically-themed public events including ‘pub talks’ and artistic installations across the city. We anticipate Optional, ½-1 day fieldtrips led by geographers expert in organising the events with AGTA and key museum and the area will be included in the program (see pg 28-29). gallery institutions in Melbourne with which SoG and These fieldtrips will run the second and/or third day of the LOC members have relations such as the Science Gallery, Congress. This is in addition to proposed optional pre-/ National Gallery of Victoria, Ian Potter Museum, and the post-Congress fieldtrips (pgs 37-38), and any touristic Melbourne Museum. activities delegates plan (for some options see pgs 58-65).

A FESTIVAL OF SHORT FILMS We propose a film program to run continually throughout the Congress, concurrent to thematic sessions. This is inspired by film successes within the School of Geography, including Dr. J. Dyson’s recent award-winning ‘Spirits’, and would include screenings of inventive short films from around the world highlighting geographical research and/ or geographical themes.

ENGAGEMENT ‘SHOW-AND-TELL’ SESSIONS Separate sessions would highlight practices of engagement and/or intervention by academic researchers or practitioners. Modelled on previous events organised by LOC members, these sessions would allow Congress participants to share and/or demonstrate knowledge practices and outputs not normally supported through academic publication but that nevertheless contribute to the advancement of our discipline.

MELBOURNE | AUSTRALIA IGC 2028 26 PROPOSED SCHEDULE

TIME INTERNATIONAL GEOGRAPHICAL CONGRESS 2028 PROGRAM

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY

08:30- Parallel Parallel Parallel Parallel Parallel Free time Commissions Commissions Commissions Commissions Commissions 10:30 Sessions Sessions Sessions Sessions Sessions

10:30- Break Break Break Break Break 11:00 IGU ECR Postgrad Business Workshop Workshop Meeting 11:00- Plenary Keynote Poster Session ECR Plenary Keynote Poster Session Plenary Keynote 12:30

Geography 12:30- Get Together Lunch Educators Lunch Lunch Lunch Lunch 13:30 (IGU Executive, ECRs, Postgrads) Lunch (co- hosted)

Closing Ceremony & 13:30- Parallel Parallel Parallel Parallel Commissions Commissions Commissions Commissions IAG 70th Birthday Lunch 15:30 Sessions Sessions Sessions Sessions IGU ECR Postgrad Business Workshop Workshop Meeting 15:30- Break Break Break Break 16:00

Commissions Commissions PRE-IGC EVENTS AND FIELD EXCURSIONS PRE-IGC EVENTS 16:00- Parallel & General Parallel Parallel & General Parallel

Commissions Commissions AND FIELD EXCURSIONS EVENTS POST-IGC 18:00 Sessions Assembly Sessions Sessions Assembly Sessions

18:00- Opening Ceremony & Welcome Free time Free time Free time Free time 19:00 Reception (17:00 - 20:00)

19:00- Congress Dinner Free time Free time Free time 21:00 (optional, ticketed event)

MELBOURNE | AUSTRALIA IGC 2028 27 WELCOME GALA DINNER RECEPTION AND CELEBRATION BY OPENING CEREMONY SHOWTIME

The Opening Ceremony will feature a Traditional Aboriginal A festival of Australian culture and food can be created on Welcome to Country ceremony, symbolising the traditional the South Wharf Promenade with roving entertainment and owners’ consent to an event taking place on their land. pop up acts. Interactive food stations and handheld canapes This will be followed by a didgeridoo experience and an will encourage guests to explore the event and discover Aboriginal Dance Show by performers from Aboriginal something new at every turn and Torres Strait Islander tribes to bring a unique and contemporary Australian atmosphere to the Congress. The Promenade is home to a dozen unique restaurants bars and event spaces that all come together to create spectacular We propose holding your Welcome Reception and Opening one-off major events. The Promenade can be curated to Ceremony at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition event requirements, turning what is usually a busy Melbourne Centre. This will be the first opportunity for delegates to hospitality centre into a private, themed event destination. enjoy the award-winning food and wine offered by the MCEC. Showtime Event Group will use the Promenade venues MCEC believes the key to creating great food is attention to create the Streets of Melbourne Festival complete with to detail. That’s why all their catering is created in-house live music and an energetic atmosphere, designed to take and sourced from the best local produce. The in-house attendees on a truly unique Melbourne culinary and cultural team is made up of culinary experts from around the world journey. with the skills, passion and creativity to handcraft any dish to perfection. The team regularly visits Victorian farmers and producers to find the freshest seasonal produce and Victoria’s finest wineries to handpick the wine list. By choosing local, they are supporting the growth of small businesses, decreasing food miles and putting the superb results of Victorian producers on the world stage for MCEC’s visitors to enjoy.

MELBOURNE | AUSTRALIA IGC 2028 28 IN-CONGRESS FIELD EXCURSIONS

We propose a series of optional half-day to day-long geographical field trips that orient around the conference theme. As these are relatively short, they will be included in the schedule of the Congress on the second and third days (Tuesday, Wednesday). Longer field excursions will occur pre- and/or post-Congress (see pg 37 -38).

CONNECTING TO COUNTRY CONNECTING COASTAL CONSERVATION: LAND, SEA, SPECIES This one day excursion will begin with a guided Aboriginal cultural walk beginning in Southback and travelling along This ½ day excursion to Phillip Island, only 90 minutes what is now called the Yarra River. After ‘Walking the from Melbourne, will take participants through a dynamic Birrarung’ to connect with the history, culture, and stories coastal landscape, vulnerable to sea level rise and storm of the river, participants will travel to Wurdi Youang on surge. Along the trip to Phillip Island, we will visit sites Wadawurrung Country to learn about this important site on the open coast that in embayments to discuss the associated with Aboriginal cultural practices and learning. challenges of managing iconic coastal environments under Delegates will take part in a guided tour and learn about changing environmental conditions. The trip will culminate the importance of connecting to Country. This trip will in a chance to experience the famous penguin parade, one have particular appeal for geographers with an interest of Australia’s most popular tourist attractions and a site of in cultural landscapes, postcolonial and Indigenous species conservation. This trip will have particular appeal geographies, and walking and storying methods. for geographers with an interest in coastal processes and conservation of coastal landscapes and species. URBAN NATURE CONNECTIONS CONNECTING CATCHMENT AND TOURISM: Royal Botanic Gardens, Queen Victoria Markets, CERES NAVIGATING THE YARRA VALLEY This one day fieldtrip incorporates two of the top attractions in Melbourne and an urban environmental This ½ day fieldtrip navigates Melbourne’s major waterway, park. The guided trip will give delegates the chance to the Yarra River, from the city through rich agricultural explore some of Australia’s most iconic plants and trees areas, to the huge forests of the closed catchments. at the Royal Botanic Gardens in the heart of the city, Participants will learn about the geography of Melbourne before heading to the Queen Victoria Markets for lunch. and its links with its river and catchment, whilst enjoying The day will end with a trip to CERES, which hosts a some of the nation’s finest wines. We will move upstream series of sustainability experiments including bio-gas and from a historic site in the city, to a famous winery in urban agriculture on a site previously used for landfill the middle valley of the Yarra, and visit the magnificent and mining purposes. This trip will have particular appeal mountain ash forests that provide Melbourne’s water for geographers with an interest in urban greening and supply. This trip will be of interest to human and physical regeneration, biodiversity and conservation practices, and geographers with interests in tourism, catchments, and urban food cultures. varied urban, conservation, and agricultural landscapes.

MELBOURNE | AUSTRALIA IGC 2028 29 IN-CONGRESS FIELD EXCURSIONS

CULTURAL CONNECTIONS IN MELBOURNE CONNECTING URBAN COMMEMORATION

Melbourne is known as one of the world’s most culturally Melbourne is famous for its diverse forms of visual diverse cities, and also one of the most liveable. The city commemoration. Through this ½ day trip, participants has a vibrant settlement sector of community groups, will visit a range of locations in the inner city to consider governmental and non-governmental organisations the cultural geography questions that different kinds dedicated to managing immigrant adaptation and diversity, of urban commemoration pose. One point of focus will and promoting liveability for different groups. This ½ day be the official monuments that commemorate the city’s field trip will involve visiting key sites of urban diversity colonial history, as well as key sites where history is in Melbourne for guided tours of neighbourhoods by packaged, such as the Mission to Seafarers. These official settlement sector workers, with a focus on understanding forms of commemoration will be juxtaposed with different how they promote liveability through intercultural relations. kinds of vernacular commemoration on display through It will also consider inequities relating to property, Melbourne’s celebrated laneways through an exploration resources, and accessibility. This trip will appeal to those of Melbourne’s world famous street art. Participants geographers interested in cultural and economic diversity, interested in the social and cultural geographies of place social justice and activism, and urban development. and belonging will find this trip especially interesting.

CONNECTING URBAN WASTE AND WATER FLOWS CONNECTING WITH ‘THE WILD’ : MELBOURNE ZOO AND ROYAL PARK In this ½ day trip, participants will visit sites within Melbourne and its peri-urban fringe where local infrastructure has been This ½ day trip gives participants the chance to encounter developed on public land to capture and treat stormwater and learn about some of Australia’s most spectacular redeploy treated water for a range of purposes. It will also animals and birds at Melbourne Zoo and Royal Park. As include a visit to the Western Treatment Plant -- one of the well as encountering some of Australia’s most iconic largest and most advanced sewage treatment plants in species, this trip will invite participants to explore some of Australia. Government professionals and researchers will the challenging geographies of colonialism, through the provide insights into the research-policy interface that has issue of ‘invasive’ species management as well as ethical facilitated much of the innovation around urban stormwater questions relating to extinction and species conservation. and wastewater in Australian cities. Participants interested This trip will have particular appeal for geographers with in the flows and management of waste, urban infrastructure, an interest in conservation and animal/plant geographies, circular economies, and health geographies will find the trip as well as delegates travelling with young families. of interest.

MELBOURNE | AUSTRALIA IGC 2028 30 TIMING OF THE CONGRESS

PROPOSED DATES WHAT’S ON IN MELBOURNE 9 – 14 July 2028 In July the city hosts some of Australia’s most prestigious events including: We propose hosting the Congress in the second week of July 2028. IGU’s in the Northern Hemisphere are typically held in August. We have proposed this change in timing JUNE for the following reasons: Melbourne International Jazz Festival > It accommodates, as well as possible, the overlap in teaching breaks among northern and southern Australian Football League Season hemisphere universities. The usual time of August falls within the teaching semester for many in the southern International Theatre Spectaculars hemisphere; however, this week in July represents a winter break. For most in the northern hemisphere, Winter Markets July is also part of the summer break. This makes a strong case for holding the Congress in July. > During the break week in July, University colleges JULY are able to provide around 1,000 beds in inexpensive accommodation (approximately AU$90 per night in Australian Football League Season 2020) for conference delegates. International Theatre Spectaculars > A July conference will allow visitors to come early or stay on in Australia, whereas a late-August Congress Open House Melbourne would limit these options given the resumption of teaching in September for northern hemisphere Finders Keepers Market colleagues. We expect for many that this may be a once-in-a-lifetime trip, and therefore would like to Melbourne Winter Masterpieces maximise the chance to take advantage of the pre-/ post-Congress fieldtrips as well as extensive tourism opportunities. AUGUST > Field trips to the desert and the tropics (e.g. the Great Barrier Reef) are best held in July when the weather Melbourne International Film Festival is cooler. This is also off-peak time for many places, ensuring good value for attendees. Melbourne Writers Festival

Having the conference in early July will mean moving the Australian Football League Season annual meetings of the Institute of Australian Geographers and the New Zealand Geographical Society to coincide Melbourne Spring Fashion Week with the IGC. These conferences are usually held in June. These organisations have agreed to this change. International Theatre Spectaculars

CLIMATE Melbourne enjoys a temperate climate with plenty ACCOMPANYING PERSONS PROGRAM of sunshine. Most people find Melbourne’s climate is Delegates and their families will have ample opportunity agreeable all year round. to explore and experience Melbourne before, during or July is an exciting month to visit Melbourne, when the after the Congress. Our Committee will work with the weather gets colder, the city comes alive with food Melbourne Convention Bureau to develop on an exciting festivals, art shows, theatre, markets and lots more. Accompanying Persons Program, treating visitors to our Winters in Melbourne are mild with moderate rainfall spectacular arts scene, world-class sporting calendar, and snow is very rare. Delegates can expect average unique local wildlife, Indigenous Australian experiences, temperatures of approximately 14°c/57°F. and renowned culinary delights.

MELBOURNE | AUSTRALIA IGC 2028 31 TIMELINE

ACTION DATE

Signing Memorandum of Understanding for the 2028 Congress Late 2024

Final themes established and details of the Congress communicated to the international July 2026 Geographical community via IGC2028 website launch

The first conference announcement/invitation will be circulated through mailing lists a year 1 July 2027 before the Congress. Early Registration opens

Second call for sessions 1 September 2027

First call for abstracts 1 November 2027

Second call for abstracts 1 January 2028

Early Registration closes and Regular Registration opens 1 April 2028

The deadline for proposing sessions, workshops, book launches, field trips 31 Janbuary 2028 and other associated events

Regular Registration closes and Late Registration opens 1 June 2028

IGC2028 Opening Ceremony 9 July 2028

MELBOURNE | AUSTRALIA IGC 2028 32 CONGRESS FINANCES

A full budget is available in Appendix 2. This section highlights the proposed registration fees and existing financial sponsorship arrangements. Our aim is to maintain low registration fees, which will enable IGC2028 to be as affordable as possible while retaining Congress quality.

The registration fee includes: > Access to Opening & Closing Ceremonies > Welcome reception > All morning and afternoon teas, and lunches > Congress app and attendee packet > Access to all Congress sessions

In addition, we aim to negotiate discounted rates for access to key tourism sites in Melbourne, including the galleries and institutions that will collaborate on the Geography@Melbourne programme. We also plan on providing public transit cards, enabling free travel within the CBD area of Melbourne.

TABLE 1: PROPOSED REGISTRATION FEES

EARLY REGULAR LATE/ON SITE 1 JULY 2027 – 2 APRIL – 2 JUNE – 1 APRIL 2028 1 JUNE 2028 14 JULY 2028

CONGRESS REGISTRATION

AU$650 AU$720 AU$800 Participant (€400 / US$455) (€450 / US$500) (€500 / US$560)

Developing Country AU$320 AU$320 AU$320 Particpant (€200 / US$224) (€200 / US$224) (€200 / US$224)

AU$320 AU$360 AU$400 Student (€200 / US$224) (€225 / US$252) (€250 / US$280)

AU$240 AU$320 AU$400 Accompanying Person (€150 / US$168) (€200 / US$224) (€250 / US$280)

DAY REGISTRATION

AU$310 AU$350 AU$400 Participant (€192 / US$217) (€217 / US$245) (€248 / US$280)

AU$190 AU$215 AU$240 Student (€118 / US$133) (€133 / US$150) (€149 / US$168)

* Note: To encourage participation, a discounted registration fee is available to students and to those from low/low- middle income countries (https://data.worldbank.org/?locations=XM-XN).

Exchange rate: 1AU$ = 0.70 US$ / 0.62 EUR

The proposed registration fees compare favourably with the fees of past and planned congresses, given inflation (see Table 2: Comparison of fees from earlier and planned Congresses). The most common registration categories (full early- bird and student early-bird) are slightly lower than those proposed for IGC2024 in Dublin. We will strive to minimise these costs, particularly as we know it is a long way to travel to and from Australia.

TABLE 2: COMPARISON OF FEES FOR EARLIER AND PLANNED CONGRESSES

REGISTRATION BEIJING 2016 ISTANBUL 2020 DUBLIN 2024 MELBOURNE 2028 CATEGORY

Full Registration $400 $390 $480 $455 (early, US$)

Student $200 $273 $233 $224 (early, US$)

MELBOURNE | AUSTRALIA IGC 2028 33 PARTICPANT SUPPORT PROGRAMME

Particular efforts are being made to secure sponsorship SPONSORSHIP for subsidising attendance by particular disadvantaged groups. We are committed to providing travel and/ Funds for the organisation of the IGC 2028 have already or registration subsidies for postgraduate students, been secured from the State Government of Victoria Indigenous attendees, academics and students from other (AU$500,000). Another AU$75,000 has been secured disadvantaged countries, and other disadvantaged groups. from the Institute of Australian Geographers, University Sponsorship arrangements available for these subsidies of Melbourne, and School of Geography (University of already include: Melbourne). We will continue to seek additional sponsorship. For > A designated amount of funding provided by the State example, additional funding for keynote speakers and Government of Victoria and the Institute of Australian networking events will be sought from publishers and Geographers; industry partners. Based on arrangements for previous > Cash sponsorship secured from the University of IAG conferences, we would anticipate funding for keynotes Melbourne and the School of Geography at the and/or a social event from John Wiley & Sons publishing. University of Melbourne; We also anticipate that major sponsorship will also come from the spatial science industry including Google, ESRi, > IGU-provided Congress funding earmarked for and other companies associated with spatial science. These such subsidies. Conditions for these grants will companies have been consistent sponsors of past IGCs. be negotiated, but we propose tiered discounts to attendees coming from low and lower-middle income countries (see https://data.worldbank. org/?locations=XM-XN).

We will continue to work to grow the pool of funds available for these subsidies through additional sponsorship and other measures. For instance, we are exploring the option of allowing participants to add a designated amount to their own registration fee (e.g., AU$50) to add to subsidies available. We will also work to reduce other costs for subsidised delegates where possible, for instance by negotiating discounts on flights and/or organising appropriate but inexpensive accommodation.

MELBOURNE | AUSTRALIA IGC 2028 34 CONGRESS DIVERSITY AND INCLUSIVITY

We are dedicated to providing an inclusive experience PARTICIPANTS for Congress participants, regardless of race, ethnicity, The LOC will target potential attendees by communicating citizenship, language, political or other opinion, gender with the mailing lists of the IGU, New Zealand identity, sexual orientation, disability, age, religion, or Geographical Society, Institute of Australian Geographers, economic class. To ensure IGC2028 is welcoming and other supporting geographical associations and networks productive, organising will include inclusivity measures of relevance (e.g. geography and sustainability educators, addressing: environmental non-governmental and governmental LANGUAGE practitioners, etc.). Collaborations with IGU Commissions, geographical societies, universities, government agencies, The website and conference app will be made available in and public institutions will increase multi-sectoral and English, French, Spanish, and Mandarin. English will be the international participation. conference operating language, but the programme will be open to designating special sessions for conducting VENUE in preferred languages. We will also explore options for The Melbourne Convention Centre is an accessible venue simultaneous translation of keynotes. with staff trained in service and disability awareness. Some AFFORDABILITY of the accessibility features include: hearing assistance tools in meeting rooms; ramps, toilets, and lifts throughout We will be striving to ensure the Congress remains for wheelchair access; braille signage and tactile surface as affordable as possible while still providing an indicators; and available parent rooms. A quiet room exceptional experience. In addition to reducing costs for will also be made available. Full venue accessibility all participants through sponsorship arrangements and information is available on the MCEC website. discounts on transit and accommodation options, travel and/or registration subsidies will be made available for CONDUCT disadvantaged scholars (see pgs 32-33). Discrimination, harassment, bullying and behaviours ORGANISING that are patronising have no place at the conference and will not be tolerated. As part of our efforts to make the The Organising and Advising Committees endeavour IGC2028 welcoming and inclusive, we will ask delegates to represent sub-disciplinary, gender, and geographic to conduct themselves to support a respectful, safe, diversity. The Congress will be organised collaboratively academically productive environment. To facilitate this, among the Committees, with additional input from the modelled on other international conference, a Code professional conference organisers and supporting of Conduct for participants and session Chairs will be institutions. developed and posted on the conference website. This conforms to the IGU Statutes on ethical conduct. PARTICIPANT PLANNING We will share timelines and conference information as early as possible in various formats including the Congress and IGU websites, social media, and various listservs and newsletters. We are also exploring options for on-site childcare for families travelling with small children.

SPEAKING ROLES Organisers will work to spread diversity through speaking and presenting roles including keynotes, papers and posters, session chairing, and ceremonial hosting. Initial efforts will focus on gender and career-stage diversity but will advance beyond these factors.

MELBOURNE | AUSTRALIA IGC 2028 35 CONGRESS SCIENTIFIC PRODUCTS

All scientific products of the Congress will be circulated NEW IGU COMMISSION OF OCEANIC STUDIES electronically via the Congress website, the IAG website, The Congress will serve to galvinise and extend and/or other platforms associated with the Congress. We connections among researchers working in the region, and envisage the following substantive products coming out of we hope a Commission will take shape on this basis. the Congress:

CONTACT DETAILS ONLINE GALLERY OF CONGRESS PRESENTATION HIGHLIGHTS For all attendees made available online and through the Congress app. This may include recordings of keynotes, reviews by students, images of exceptional posters, the film festival and arts exhibition programmes, among other things. ABSTRACTS For all talks and posters made available online and through VIDEO REVIEW OF IGC2028 the Congress app. Highlighting its role in promoting geography, will be included in the online gallery. It will feature on-site footage SPECIAL JOURNAL ISSUES and select interviews of participants. Drawn from Congress sessions and papers. By planning special themes from two years before the Congress begins, we believe that we will be able to secure numerous special issues of prestigious journals. Emphasis will be placed on geography journals with which local, national, or international Committee members have strong ties. This includes discipline-leading journals such as Progress in Human Geography, Progress in Physical Geography, Social and Cultural Geography, Economic Geography, and Global Environmental Change, as well as regionally significant journals (e.g. New Zealand Geographer, Geographical Research, the Singapore Journal of Tropical Geography, Asia Pacific Viewpoint, the Journal of Geography in Higher Education, and Australian Geographer). Sponsorship funding to subsidise open access publication will be sought.

MELBOURNE | AUSTRALIA IGC 2028 36 PRE- AND POST-CONGRESS EVENTS

IGC2028 in Melbourne will offer a full academic program I-GEO: INTERNATIONAL GEOGRAPHICAL and ½ day - 1 day field excursions. Complementing this OLYMPIAD program will be a series of pre- and post-Congress events Geographical education will be a key focus of the including the IGU Executive Meeting, the Olympiad, conference, and an important educational activity of workshops, IGU satellite events, and longer field excursions. the IGU is the International Geography Olympiad. We welcome iGeo being part of IGC2028 and would expect IGU EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING the Olympiad would be held before the Congress. The The IGU Executive Committee will be holding a full day state allows for easy and safe transport, and there meeting before the Congress begins. We propose holding are economical accommodation possibilities for the this meeting on the Sunday before the Congress. As participants in university colleges and other locations. required in the Congress Guidelines, we will be providing There is good potential across Victoria to provide the following for the EC: interesting venues for the field components of the competition. Melbourne also has four universities with > A high-quality meeting room strong Geography programmes that can assist with the > A shared lunch with participants in other workshops on competition, along with potential collaboration with the the Sunday (ECR and postgraduates). supporting organisations that organise the Australian > Two night’s accommodation in a reasonable Melbourne Geography Competition (AGTA and RGSQ). To facilitate hotel the organising of the Olympiad, one of the Co-Chairs has been included in the International Advisory Committee. > Complimentary conference registration, should EC As requested in the Congress guidelines, we provide members not obtain their own funding US$5,000 in support for the Geographical Olympiad. Assuming ten (10) EC members, this sponsorship package is worth AU$8,400. IGU COMMISSION SATELLITE EVENTS There is great enthusiasm to encourage IGU Commission POSTGRADUATE STUDENT WORKSHOP satellite events before and after the Congress. These We propose to hold a pre-conference workshop for post- could be held in Melbourne, using facilities at each of graduate students. This would be held in a beautiful, but the Universities involved in the LOC. However, we hope inexpensive, location within Melbourne. We anticipate that they will also be held across Oceania, at least in New the workshop being organised by postgraduate students Zealand. The organising committees will make every effort for postgraduate students. It would likely include skill- to provide contacts and logistical support for organising building sessions on things such as publishing, mental these events. We will endeavour to coordinate satellite health, career planning, and so on, as well as socialising events with the longer optional field trips, although this opportunities. Such workshops have become extremely will involve careful planning. successful at the School of Geography and the IAG conferences. The workshop would include a networking lunch with ECR and IGU Executive colleagues.

EARLY CAREER RESEARCHER WORKSHOP An Early Career Researcher’s Workshop will precede the Congress. The aim will be to provide a venue for discussion of common challenges and potential strategies, and to provide a space for building important networks among those embarking upon a career in geography. Subjects may include career planning, grant application, educator training, and so on. The workshop would include a networking lunch with postgraduate and IGU Executive colleagues.

MELBOURNE | AUSTRALIA IGC 2028 37 PRE- AND POST-CONGRESS FIELD EXCURSIONS

Attendees of IGC2028 will be encouraged to participate in pre- and/or post-Congress field excursions. The proposed trips have been developed as opportunities to explore iconic and less known locations. Each of the field trips will be led by at least one expert geographer whose research is grounded in the region and issue in order to create opportunities to connect participants with significant transitions and challenges facing Australia, New Zealand, and Oceania that local geographers are addressing with their research. The trips have been organised to align with the conference theme of ‘Making geographical connections’, and several include considerations of both physical and human geography. Because of the size of Australia, these field trips range from 2-5 days (½-1 day excursions are included in the program rather than set as pre- or post-events). Should this bid be accepted, we anticipate refining the proposed selection based on available expertise in the many supporting organisations that have expressed interest in leading such events.

CONNECTING ECOLOGICAL AND SOCIAL CONNECTING ECOLOGICAL AND ECONOMIC COMMUNITIES: THE GREAT BARRIER REEF TRANSITION: WESTERN VICTORIA AND SOUTH AUSTRALIA The Great Barrier Reef is perhaps Australia’s most iconic natural wonder, and it is also central to numerous debates over This four-day trip will introduce delegates to the fascinating the future of Australia’s economy, culture, and environment. and spectacular physical environment of south-western None of these debates is bigger than climate change and the Victoria and the limestone coast of South Australia. We will impacts of ocean acidification resulting in mass bleaching travel west from Melbourne along the Great Ocean Road of corals. The field trip will provide attendees with the to see the beautiful geomorphology of this coast including opportunity to explore reef ecosystems and biogeography. the famous Twelve Apostles, and proceed to the limestone Participants will also have the opportunity to meet with region in the south-east of South Australia including researchers working with local communities as they struggle remarkable cave systems, the Coonawarra wine region to balance tourism, conservation, and local economic (known for its Cabernet Sauvignon), and Mt. Gambier. We will development. This trip will appeal to those interested in ocean then turn inland to visit the amazing features and Aboriginal ecosystems, conflict resolution, and eco-social sustainability. sites of the Grampians Range. On our way back to Melbourne we will enjoy the varied basalt landscapes of the newer CONNECTING RESOURCE AND CULTURAL volcanic province. This trip will appeal to those interested in HERITAGE: PROSPECTING VICTORIA geomorphology and rural geographies. This two-day tour will visit key sites in the Goldfields area, two-hours’ drive from Melbourne, to provide delegates with diverse perspectives on the heritage and histories of mining that founded colonial Victoria. Over the day, the delegates will visit the historic Central Deborah Gold Mine, join a guided tour Greater Bendigo National Park with Aboriginal Traditional Owners to learn about efforts to remediate the ecological consequences of mining, and visit the iconic Hanging Rock. This trip will appeal to geographers with an interest in cultural heritage, resource extraction legacies, and cultural landscapes.

MELBOURNE | AUSTRALIA IGC 2028 38 PRE- AND POST-CONGRESS FIELD EXCURSIONS

CONNECTING PAST AND PRESENT: THE MURRAY- CONNECTIONS FOR SMALL ISLAND STATE DARLING RIVER SUSTAINABILITY: FIJI Over two days, attendees will travel to northern Victoria Small island states face considerable challenges as they and southern NSW to explore the Murray-Darling river attempt to achieve sustainable development given a small system. The recent fish death event has drawn attention and narrow resource base, specialised and internationally- to the already challenging issues of water and ecosystem dependent economies, and limited institutional capacities management on a warming planet. The Murray-Darling with high infrastructure costs. The 4 day field trip aims to River catchment – sometimes called Australia’s ‘food give attendees a first-hand experience of the real-world bowl’ – represents a significant challenge as irrigators, circumstances that confront an island nation by exploring conservationists, and Indigenous actors debate the past, important sectoral themes in the context of sustainable present, and future of the river. Recently, the over-allocation development. Attendees will have the opportunity to of water has resulted in significant disagreement over the consider factors relevant to island nations, including ability to manage water resources. This trip will appeal climate change, natural disasters, water availability, to geographers interested in cultural studies, sustainable gender, cultural identity, population and race relations, development, and community engagement. governance and globalisation. This trip will appeal to those geographers interested in SIDS culture and identity, CLIMATE CHANGE CONNECTIONS: NEW resource geographies, and eco-social sustainability. ZEALAND’S SOUTH ISLAND Starting and finishing in Christchurch over 5 days, this field trip looks at evidence in the landscape of past climate change from glacial, fluvial, cave and coastal environments across the South Island, and considers this evidence in the context of palaeoclimate theory and data from elsewhere. Participants will have the opportunity to view the terminus of Tasman Glacier, a rapidly retreating glacier near Mt Cook, to discuss the climatic and non-climatic processes responsible for its retreat. They will also explore the depths of Aurora Cave, a spectacular wild cave where evidence of glacial advances and retreats over the past 100,000 years are recorded. An optional boat trip along Milford Sound is also possible, to view the stunning fjord landscape that was buried by more than a kilometre of ice 20,000 years ago. This trip will appeal to geographers interested in climate change, glaciation, and coastal environments.

MELBOURNE | AUSTRALIA IGC 2028 39 PRE- AND POST-CONGRESS FIELD EXCURSIONS

CONNECTING TO POST-CONFLICT EAST TIMOR CONNECTING TO COUNTRY: BUDJ BIM WORLD HERITAGE CULTURAL LANDSCAPE This 5 day field trip is designed to better understand the Asia-Pacific region and in particular of the complex Participants will visit this culturally and historically significant geographies of small island and post-conflict states. site on Gunditjmara land in Western Victoria and be guided Attendees will gain an in situ appreciation of the historical by Indigenous rangers around sites that show remnants and contemporary issues relevant to East Timor. Participants of a settled lifestyle including circular stone dwellings and will explore the impacts of conflict, climate and culture on the remains of Australia’s first and largest freshwater stone social and economic development and the environment. aquaculture system (including fish and eel traps). This field While in East Timor, attendees will have the opportunity to trip will take two days, starting and finishing in Melbourne. participate in a number of rural, urban and remote site visits during which time they will interact with local communities, civil society leaders, academics, government and aid organisations. This trip will appeal to geographers interested in post-conflict studies, Indigenous studies, and development.

CONNECTING LAND AND FIRE: TASMANIA Fire is one of the most important controls over the distribution of vegetation on Earth. This 4 day field trip will examine the role of fire in natural systems, with a particular emphasis on the importance of fire in determining global vegetation patterns and dynamics over long periods of time. The use of fire by humans to manipulate environments will be examined, with a particular emphasis on the variety of approaches employed by people across a diversity of environments over long periods of time, allowing an exploration of the social and cultural dynamics of fire and environmental management. This trip will appeal to geographers interested in the biogeographies and cultural dynamics relating to wildfire.

MELBOURNE | AUSTRALIA IGC 2028 40 THE VENUE MELBOURNE

Equal parts dynamic, cosmopolitan, sports-mad and arty, Melbourne simultaneously exudes style and keeps its best spots hidden, inviting discovery by food and culture lovers.

Melbourne is often dubbed the most ‘European’ of Australian cities and there is also a mini New York vibe here, thanks to the city’s well-ordered grid and scattering of art-deco high- rises. But Melbourne is uniquely Melbourne, too. Much of that is due to the 230-plus laneways that penetrate into the heart of city blocks, which are recognised for world-class street art, restaurants and bars.

Melbourne has long been food and coffee obsessed and had liberal, bohemian and progressive strands to its subculture. Top chefs are inspired by their heritage and don’t just cook local produce, but native ingredients used by Indigenous Australians for hundreds of thousands of years. Mingled with hotspots in laneways, warehouses and on rooftops, it’s clear that Melbourne doesn’t have to try – it just is.

MELBOURNE | AUSTRALIA IGC 2028 42 MELBOURNE’S TRACK RECORD

Melbourne has an outstanding track record of success for securing and hosting some of the world’s largest and most prestigious international conferences. For a full list of upcoming meeting, see MCB’s Business Events Calendar, here.

TABLE 3: MAJOR CONVENTIONS COMING TO MELBOURNE

YEAR EVENT EXPECTED ATTENDANCE 2020 SpineWeek 2,250

2020 17th World Congress on Menopause 2,000

2021 Global Public Transport Summit 2,000

2021 International Congress of Occupational Health 1,000

2021 XIII International Congress of Dermatology 2,500

2022 World Ophthalmology Congress 10,000

2022 XX ISA World Congress of Sociology 3,000

2023 Annual Convention of Rotary International 17,000

2023 World Congress of Philosophy 2,250

2024 Lions Club International Convention 13,000

2024 International Congress of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology 2,500

2026 20th IUPHAR World Congress of Basic and Clinic Pharmacology 2,500

TABLE 4: MAJOR CONVENTIONS HELD IN MELBOURNE

YEAR EVENT ATTENDANCE 2019 XXVII International Society On Thrombosis and Haemostasis Congress 5,008 and 65th Annual SSC Meeting 2019 World Congress on Nephrology 3,580

2019 World Engineers Convention 3,073

2018 International Union of Phlebology (UIP) XVIII World Meeting 1,266

2018 World Conference on Nuclear Medicine and Biology 2,002

2018 16th Annual Meeting of the International Society for Stem Cell Research 2,823

2017 World Congress on Public Health 2,835

2017 International Joint Conference on Artificial Intelligence 1,970

2017 IEEE Annual Conference on Decision and Control 1,335

2016 World Congress on Intelligent Transport Systems 8,511

2016 International Congress of Immunology 4,300

2016 Asia-Pacific Association for International Education Conference 1,674

2015 8th Asia-Pacific Heart Rhythm Society Scientific Session 2,363

2014 International AIDS Conference 11,742

2014 World Congress on Cardiology 6,000

2014 International Congress of the World Federation of Hemophilia 4,000

2014 World Cancer Congress 2,700

2013 22nd World Diabetes Congress 10,500

MELBOURNE | AUSTRALIA IGC 2028 43 ATTRACTING DELEGATES TO MELBOURNE

HIGH DELEGATE ATTENDANCE TOP 10 DELEGATE ORIGINS 2018/2019 Melbourne has a proven record of attracting high delegate For delegate attendance to major International Association attendance to international business events, achieving 115% congresses in Melbourne. delegate materialisation over the past three years. Australia also has the third largest annual attendance of delegates in the Asia Pacific region according to the International GERMANY CHINA KOREA USA Congress and Convention Association.

DELEGATE ORIGIN IS NOT A BARRIER Recent international conferences show that delegates travel from all over the world to attend a congress in Melbourne. In

fact, many delegates use it as an opportunity for a ‘once-in-a- UNITED NEW lifetime’ trip and extend their stay. Melbourne attracts healthy INDIA TAIWAN delegate numbers from Europe, Africa, South America and KINGDOM ZEALAND North America.

STRONG ENGAGEMENT WITH ASIA Due to Australia’s proximity to Asia, many international organisers find that delegate numbers from the Asia Pacific region increase when holding their event in Melbourne. Our convenient location across major time JAPAN CANADA zones offers a practical destination for global organisations looking for success in the region. Melbourne’s strong history of migration has produced a culturally and linguistically diverse population. Many Victorians speak a language other than English, especially Asian languages.

MELBOURNE | AUSTRALIA IGC 2028 44 AVERAGE CITY COST COMPARISON

Costs are sourced in local currency and converted to AUD.

MELBOURNE PARIS BOSTON SINGAPORE

Travel Travel Travel Travel

Travel Visa Cost Travel Visa Cost Travel Visa Cost Travel Visa Cost $20.00 $97.00 $220.00 $30.00

Return Airport Transfer Return Airport Transfer Return Airport Transfer Return Airport Transfer $36.00 $39.15 $7.60 $3.50

Daily Transport Daily Transport Daily Transport Daily Transport $8.60 $12.35 $16.50 $10.00

Hotels Hotels Hotels Hotels

3-Star Hotel 3-Star Hotel 3-Star Hotel 3-Star Hotel $120.00 $273.00 $45000 $125.00

4-Star Hotel 4-Star Hotel 4-Star Hotel 4-Star Hotel $175.00 $33900 $571.00 $248.00

5-Star Hotel 5-Star Hotel 5-Star Hotel 5-Star Hotel $265.00 $689.00 $884.00 $375.00

Meals Meals Meals Meals

Median Dinner Cost Median Dinner Cost Median Dinner Cost Median Dinner Cost $64.00 $80.00 $95.00 $97.00

Source: Live Projects 2019 Research: City Cost Comparison.

MELBOURNE | AUSTRALIA IGC 2028 45 SAFETY AND SECURITY

Australia is internationally recognised as one of the safest and most welcoming countries for travellers to visit.

STABLE ECONOMY SECURE MEETING VENUE On an economic basis, Australia has a very The Melbourne Convention and Exhibition strong economy, with a AAA credit rating. Centre (MCEC) has full-time patrolled Australia consistently ranks highly on the security across all areas of the precinct, Index of Economic Freedom where it is supported by a CCTV network. A detailed risk currently fourth in the world. The Australian assessment report is developed by the MCEC currency is highly stable and due to no in consultation with the meeting organisers to restrictions on foreign entities transacting in ensure the safety of all delegates, exhibitors, the Australian dollar, the fifth most traded in visitors and guests. the world.

SAFE CITY POLITICAL STABILITY Melbourne has become the first major city in On international indexes, Australia’s political the Southern Hemisphere - and only the third system is rated as very transparent with strong major city in the world to be recognised as a levels of protection for people’s political rights. Safe City by the World Health Organization. Melbourne is ranked 5th in The Safe Cities Index 2017.

MELBOURNE | AUSTRALIA IGC 2028 46 SUSTAINABLE EVENTS AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

We commit to developing a cutting-edge sustainability policy ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORT for the congress, building on the work of conferences such as the RGS-IBG. Long-haul flights play a key role in the carbon The Victorian Government supports cycling with an footprint of a congress in Australia. On the other hand, we extensive network of bike paths throughout the city and believe that de-centring the northern hemisphere dominance surrounds. It also promotes walking as a mode of transport. of the disciplines is an important intellectual task. We commit to offer new forms of distance participation, including live SUSTAINABLE EVENT PLANNING streaming of plenary and selected discussion sessions. MCB has resources dedicated to assisting event planners ensure their events are sustainable and have a positive TOP RANKED IN ASIA-PACIFIC FOR environmental and social impact when hosted in SUSTAINABILITY Melbourne. MCB is a member of the Global Destination Sustainability Index (GDS Index), an initiative that drives the adoption and recognition of sustainable practices in the business tourism and events industry. MCB partners with the City The intention is to keep printed of Melbourne and Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre in leading the GDS Index initiatives and ensuring material to a minimum, with all sustainable practices are imbued throughout the meetings industry. information available electronically. Melbourne is the top ranked GDS-Index city in IGC2028 will be, as far as possible, Asia-Pacific and ranked eighth globally. a paperless Congress. CONNECTING WITH THE COMMUNITY Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) supports and engages the local community everyday through a range of initiatives that include donating safe surplus food to community food banks including OzHarvest. By partnering with some of Australia’s leading charities across health, housing and food sustainability, MCEC believe they can make a real impact to people in need.

MELBOURNE | AUSTRALIA IGC 2028 47 WHY MCEC IS THE RIGHT CHOICE FOR IGC2028

MELBOURNE CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE (MCEC) Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) is Melbourne’s destination for big ideas and inspirational events. Hosting more than 1,000 events each year, we’re internationally renowned for our incredible range of spaces, innovative design and sensational catering.

We’re here to connect and inspire, and as a world-leading venue, we’re redefining events globally through innovation, partnerships and experiences. Our venue is distinctly Melbourne and we’ve been inspired by the creative, cultural and diverse delights of the city we call home.

MELBOURNE’S EVENTS DESTINATION AUSTRALIA’S BIGGEST Located in central Melbourne, in the midst CONVENTION CENTRE of bustling restaurants, hotels, shopping Featuring 63 versatile meeting rooms and entertainment. Only 20 minutes from including a purpose-built plenary theatre Melbourne Airport, and close to trains, trams catering for 5,500 delegates and buses

AWARD WINNING WORLD CLASS EXHIBITION SPACE Australasia’s Leading Meetings & 39,000sqm of exhibition space, all on Conference Centre 2012-2018 ground level with easy loading dock access

LOCAL AND SUSTAINABLE PRODUCE SOUTH WHARF COST SAVINGS Supporting the growth of local businesses South Wharf Promenade connects the Yarra and putting Victorian producers on the River with the MCEC and encompasses a world stage. range of restaurants, bars, cafes and function spaces. Delegate discounts are available when you show your conference lanyard and ALL DIETARY REQUIREMENTS redeem exclusive offers from the restaurants COVERED in the South Wharf Promenade. Adaptable menus to accommodate dietary needs.

PRE-INSTALLED TECHNOLOGY MCEC provides the latest audio-visual equipment in every meeting room, giving you access to equipment such as a high definition projector, sound system, dimmable lighting and intelligent lectern with in-built computer.

ONSITE ACCOMMODATION Fully integrated with the Pan Pacific Melbourne and Novotel Melbourne South Wharf (743 rooms in total).

ACCESSIBILITY Inclusive environment which addresses the access needs of all venue users. MCEC has a full Accessibility Action Plan, available online

FREE VENUE WIFI Free visitor WiFi is available to all visiting delegates throughout the centre

MELBOURNE | AUSTRALIA IGC 2028 48 SOUTH WHARF PRECINCT

The bustling South Wharf Precinct is located on the doorstep of the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. In addition to the Direct Factory Outlets (DFO) shopping centre it is home to an array of great waterside dining housed in restored heritage sheds on the bank of Melbourne’s Yarra River. Delegates will be able to enjoy international cuisines such as Spanish, Japanese, Korean, Bavarian and modern Australian with over 15 restaurants serving the best local produce. Discounts in the Precinct’s restaurants will be offered to IGC2028 delegates who show their Congress badge when dining. South Wharf is a leisurely ten-minute walk along the river from Southbank and Federation Square, or a short stroll over the Seafarers Bridge from Northbank and Docklands.

KEY Spencer Street SOUTH WHARF Wurundjeri Way AREA MAP Places of interest

1. Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) 2 YARRA RIVER 2. Crown Entertainment Clarendon Street Complex 3. Novotel Melbourne 5 South Wharf 4. DFO shopping centre 4 3 5. Pan Pacific Hotel 1 Whiteman Road

Tram Stop

Restaurants and Bars

Normanby Road

MELBOURNE | AUSTRALIA IGC 2028 49 MELBOURNE, A SUSTAINABLE CITY

Melbourne is committed to becoming a carbon-neutral URBAN FOREST STRATEGY city and creating a bold and sustainable future. Such an ambitious goal can only be achieved through collaboration With over 77,000 trees in Melbourne’s parks and gardens, with key stakeholders across Melbourne, including major this strategy outlines the city’s approach to managing threats event and conference organisers to deliver best practice such as drought, climate change, urban growth, with the aim sustainable events in Melbourne. Some initiatives being to increase canopy cover from 22% to 40% by 2040. implemented by the City of Melbourne include: STORMWATER HARVESTING AN ECO-CITY Melbourne’s stormwater harvesting project allows up to 21 Examining many innovative ways to improve the million litres of stormwater to be captured annually. This sustainability of the city’s stock, reducing carbon emissions, provides the dual benefits of restricting demand on the protecting our world-renowned parks and gardens and city’s drinking water supplies and reducing pollution into developing ways to capture, store and reuse stormwater local waterways. within the city.

ZERO NET EMISSIONS

Melbourne has one of the most ambitious carbon emission reduction targets of any city in the world, with the goal of zero net emissions. This target is for both the local government operations and the entire municipality.

1200 BUILDINGS

Encouraging building owners, managers and facility managers to improve their efficiency and reduce waste. The goal is to retrofit two-thirds of the city’s 1,800 office buildings with state-of-the-art energy and water technology by 2020.

GREEN ROOFS, WALLS AND FACADES

Adapting our city to climate change and enhancing urban landscapes by integrating soil and vegetation on roofs, walls and facades. This helps cool hot cities, reduce stormwater drainage, provide a layer of soil-like material and plants, help insulate buildings whilst creating social and leisure environments.

MELBOURNE | AUSTRALIA IGC 2028 50 SUSTAINABLE CONFERENCE VENUE

MCEC strive to be leaders in sustainable business practice and are always working to find innovative ideas that provide better outcomes for our community.

DIVERTING WASTE PARTNERSHIPS: MELBOURNE In 2018 MCEC diverted 67 per cent of all waste RENEWABLE ENERGY PROJECT from landfill using 15 waste streams. In 2018 MCEC joined 13 other reputable Melbourne organisations to support the Single use plastics development of a wind farm in regional Banned plastic straws and are diverting over Victoria. This initiative enables us to 30,000 straws and 500,000 plastic bottles offset the projected electricity use of our from landfill annually. 20,000 square metre expansion space with Community partnerships renewable energy. 38,660 meals (12,886 kilograms of food) were donated to OzHarvest’s food rescue program AWARDS AND ACCOLADES in 2018.

Waste reduction > The first convention centre in the world Our organic dehydrator reduces the volume of to be awarded a 6-star green star organic waste by 75-80 per cent. environmental rating. > ‘Best Corporate Citizen’ at 2018 REDUCING CARBON EMISSIONS Exhibition and Event Association of Australasia Awards for Excellence. MCEC have reduced carbon emissions per > 2018 Premier’s Sustainability Award – square metre by 16 per cent, and are on Government category for Melbourne track to achieve our target of a 30 per cent Renewable Energy Project. reductionby 2021 against 2015 levels. > EarthCheck Gold Certified 2019 Sustainable design The Melbourne Convention Centre incorporates natural light, sensor lights, low energy escalators and solar capture used for the heating of water. The Melbourne Exhibition Centre is fitted with an Energy Management System, complete with CO2 monitoring and variable speed drives, responsible for a reduction in 30 per cent energy use since 2016.

Championing local produce MCEC source produce from local, passionate and ethical suppliers to promote the wonderful producers we have here in Victoria and to reduce our venue’s environmental footprint.

LEADER IN WATER EFFICIENCY

MCEC is the regional leader in limiting water use, due to sensor taps and the capture and re-using of water from the Melbourne Convention Centre roof.

MELBOURNE | AUSTRALIA IGC 2028 51 PLANNING YOUR TRIP TRAVEL INFORMATION

VISA REQUIREMENTS Other than New Zealand passport holders, all visitors to Australia need a valid visa. There are three types of visas available, all with simple online application processes. A full list of countries is available in Appendix 5.

Electronic Travel Authority ETA eVisitor Business visitor stream (subclass 601) (subclass 651) (subclass 600)

Visit Australia as often as you wish Visit Australia as often as you wish This visa stream lets you visit Australia in a 12-month period. Stay up to 3 in a 12-month period. Stay up to 3 for business reasons. months each time you enter Australia. months each time you enter Australia.

Cost: Service charge of AUD$20 Cost: Free Cost: AUD$140

Processing time: 9 davs (75%), Processing time: same day Processing time: same day 17 days (90%)

VISA ASSISTANCE FOR MORE VISA INFORMATION The Australian Government’s International Event Coordinator More information on all visa types can be found at Network (IECN) provides free advice on visas to event https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa- organisers. The IECN can also provide the following services listing as required: > Updates on the progress of visa applications > Confirmation of the lodgement of visa applications by event participants > Liaison with Australian visa offices overseas to resolve issues arising in the visa application process MCB is happy to put you in touch with the IECN to help with all visa requirements.

SMARTGATE Australia’s Customs and Border Protection Service’s streamlined system for all UK, US and New Zealand citizens allows delegates to self-process through passport control.

MELBOURNE | AUSTRALIA IGC 2028 53 VISA INFORMATION

ELECTRONIC TRAVEL AUTHORITY (ETA)

The Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) for Australian Tourist Visas is the most advanced and streamlined visa authorisation system in the world. Passport holders from the following countries can be issued with an ETA Visa online:

Andorra Greece Monaco Switzerland

Austria Hong Kong (SAR) The Netherlands Taiwan

Belgium Ireland Norway The Netherlands

Brunei Italy Portugal United Kingdom

Canada Japan Republic of San Marino United States of America

Denmark Liechtenstein Singapore Vatican City

Finland Luxembourg South Korea

France Malaysia Spain

Germany Malta Sweden

THE eVISITOR VISA

The eVisitor visa is free of charge and issued in less than a day. It’s available for passport holders from the following countries:

Austria France Lithuania Slovakia

Belgium Germany Luxembourg Slovenia

Bulgaria Greece Malta Spain

Croatia Hungary Monaco Sweden

Cyprus Iceland Norway Switzerland

Czech Republic Ireland Poland The Netherlands

Denmark Italy Portugal United Kingdom

Estonia Latvia Romania Vatican City

Finland Liechtenstein Republic of San Marino

MELBOURNE | AUSTRALIA IGC 2028 54 OUR AIRLINE CONNECTIONS

Melbourne is one of the most cosmopolitan and ASIA PACIFIC multicultural cities in the world, with an ever-growing list of direct air links. Servicing more than 305 million For delegates travelling from Asia, direct flights are passengers annually, Melbourne Airport is Victoria’s available in abundance across all major airlines, with gateway to the world. new routes constantly being added.

24/7 INTERNATIONAL AIR ACCESS Melbourne Airport operates around the clock and is a 20 minute drive from the city centre. Japan China AVALON AIRPORT India In 2018, Melbourne’s secondary airport, Avalon Airport, Vietnam Thailand also began welcoming international flights through carriers Phillipines Jetstar and AirAsia. Avalon Airport currently welcomes Malaysia Singapore twice daily flights from Kuala Lumpur, with new routes across Asia to be announced in the near future. Indonesia EASY ACCESS FROM EUROPE & AMERICAS Delegates travelling from the North or South America will transition through Los Angeles, San Francisco, Santiago or Vancouver for a direct flight to Melbourne or an alternate New Zealand international hub with direct flights to Australia. MELBOURNE Delegates travelling from Europe will transition through an international hub such as Dubai, Singapore, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur or Bangkok.

DIRECT FLIGHTS TO MELBOURNE

ASIA 363 PER WEEK EUROPE M. EAST NORTH & INDIA AMERICA 42 PER WEEK SOUTH AMERICAS EAST ASIA 40 PER WEEK

SOUTH NEW AMERICA ZEALAND 153 PER MELBOURNE WEEK

DESTINATIONS DIRECT INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES DIRECT INTERNATIONAL 42 TO MELBOURNE 35 FLY DIRECT TO MELBOURNE 598 FLIGHTS PER WEEK

MELBOURNE | AUSTRALIA IGC 2028 55 GETTING AROUND MELBOURNE

SKYBUS AIRPORT TRANSFERS RIVER CRUISES Skybus offers an affordable and convenient With the Yarra River running through it and option for airport transfers for delegates. a bay next door, Melbourne is a great city SkyBus operates express airport transfers from to experience by boat. Delegates can jump Melbourne Airport kerbside straight to the on a Melbourne Water Taxi or take a scenic heart of Melbourne City, 24 hours a day, 7 days cruise departing from Southbank. a week, including all public holidays. Services run every 10 minutes most hours of the day, and TAXI AND RIDESHARE every 3-4 minutes during all peak periods. Melbourne taxis are easy to spot and can either be booked, picked up from MELBOURNE’S TRAIN NETWORK signposted can ranks or hailed. Rideshare The city loop is Melbourne’s underground train trips are available via apps with Uber, Taxify system, with five stations in the city centre: and DiDi. Southern Cross, Flagstaff, Melbourne Central, Parliament and Flinders Street. Southern Cross REGIONAL VICTORIA Station is Melbourne’s hub for regional and interstate trains. MCEC is easily accessible from V/Line is Victoria’s regional train and bus Southern Cross Station. provider, operating services across the state to connect delegates to regions such as Ballarat, Bendigo, Geelong and Gippsland. FREE TRAM TRAVEL Melbourne is home to the world’s largest tram network. For delegates travelling around the city centre, tram travel is free with three trams stop directly outside the MCEC. The City Circle tram is a great way to explore Melbourne. Delegates and partners can hop on and off the iconic tram, and hear an audio commentary, as they visit major attractions and shops.

PERFECT WALKING CITY Melbourne is set in a compact grid layout, making it very easy to find your way around by foot. The City of Melbourne offers a series of self-guided walks to help delegates explore.

MELBOURNE | AUSTRALIA IGC 2028 56 ACCOMMODATION FOR EVERY PURPOSE

MAJOR INTERNATIONAL HOTELS ASIA PACIFIC AVERAGE Including Hyatt, Westin, Marriott, Sofitel, DAILY RATES ($AUD) Novotel, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn and Sheraton KUALA LUMPUR $163 OVER 7,600 ROOMS Within 10-minute walk from MCEC MELBOURNE $200

OVER 5,100 SERVICED APARTMENTS BEIJING $207 Within 20-minute walk from MCEC

BANGKOK $247 25,000 ROOMS

Within a 10-minute commute SYDNEY $245

OVER 8,600 OSAKA $283 Additional hotel rooms by 2022

TAIPEI $321 MORE THAN 22,500 AIRBNB LISTINGS With nearly all Airbnb units in Melbourne located within five to seven kilometres of SINGAPORE $389 the city centre

TOKYO $546

JLL Hotels (October 2017)

ACCOMMODATION INVENTORY SUMMARY MCB ACCOMMODATION PARTNERS

Star rating No. of hotels No. of rooms

36 3,155

129 15,649 MELBOURNE

24 5,768

MELBOURNE | AUSTRALIA IGC 2028 57 CAR LTON ST

R OYAL EXH IBITION ACCOMMODATION MAP BUILDING North Melbourne Carlton CARLTON GARDENS

30min

3

4 20min

4 4

R CITY AL PIE ETIHAD NTR STADIUM 4.5 CE 3 CENTRE 3 S OUTH 4.5 4 N TIO RA E ST R E S FEDE UA R 5 DER SQ N N CR 4.5 FLI 4 O 10min 4 SS A 4 TORI R 4 VIC 4 ARBOU 4 H 3 4 3 4.5 4 5 3 4.5 4 5 4

5 4.5 QUEEN VICTORIA 4 4.5

4.5 4.5

5 4 5 4 MELBOURNE 4.5 DFO CONVENTION CENTRE AND EXHIBITION

4.5

5 5 star accommodation 4 4 star accommodation Free tram zone

4.5 4.5 star accommodation 3 3 star accommodation

MELBOURNE | AUSTRALIA IGC 2028 58 NEW HOTEL OPENINGS IN MELBOURNE

HOTEL NAME ROOMS AVAILABLE STAR RATING

OPENING 2020

AC Melbourne Southbank 200

Adina Grand Apartment Hotel West End 92

Aloft Melbourne 176

Bennetts Lane Hotel 44

Hyatt Centric 280

Jackalope Melbourne 32

Le Meridien Melbourne 235

Marriot Melbourne Docklands 196

Next Hotel Melbourne 285

Novotel/ibis Styles Melbourne Airport 464

Ovolo South Melbourne 100

Premier Tower 187

W Hotel 294

Voco Melbourne Central 252

OPENING 2021

Marriott Executive Apartments 176

Moxy Melbourne South Yarra 180

Parkroyal Docklands 281

QVM Residences 80

Ritz Carlton 263

OPENING 2022

1 Hotel 280

Hotel Indigo Melbourne 181

Holiday Inn Melbourne 272

Ormond Melbourne & MoMo’s Melbourne 537

Park Hotel Melbourne 319

Quincy Hotel 241

Shangri-La Hotel 500

St Regis 168

OPENING 2023

Mandarin Oriental 196

MELBOURNE | AUSTRALIA IGC 2028 59 LOW COST ACCOMMODATION

The University of Melbourne is home to ten Residential Colleges at the Parkville campus which is located just 5km from the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. The Colleges can offer convenient, low cost accommodation and meals for approximately 1,000 delegates who may be travelling on a limited budget. Our Local Organising Committee will provide transportation options for those staying at the Colleges to ensure they are able to conveniently access all components of the Congress program. Whilst rates for 2028 are unavailable, the current cost per night at the Residential Colleges is approximately AU$90 (US$63 / €56) per night.

RESIDENTIAL COLLEGE LOCATIONS

MELBOURNE | AUSTRALIA IGC 2028 60 Choosing Melbourne as the host city for IGC2028 will provide international delegates with access to uniquely Australian experiences.

We understand that for many delegates this is a one-in-a-lifetime PRE AND POST opportunity to visit Australia. The Local Organising Committee will develop an exciting social program CONGRESS for attendees that will showcase the country’s unique experiences LEISURE and destinations. From beautiful beaches, outback landscapes, culinary delights, native fauna and EXPERIENCES flora, arts and culture to iconic landmarks there is so much to discover. A visit to Australia will truly inspire and delight. EXPERIENCE LOCAL MELBOURNE

HIDDEN LANEWAY SECRETS EXPLORE HISTORY, CULTURE AND NATURE Join a Melbourne Street Tour and discover what makes Melbourne Museum is a natural and cultural history Melbourne the world’s most liveable city. Experience museum located in the Carlton Gardens. Explore infamous laneways, side streets and historical arcades - Melbourne’s rich history in the Melbourne Story exhibition; all with a story to tell. Be captivated by famous street art be immersed in evocative stories and discover the icons and outdoor galleries of Melbourne with a new discovery and personalities that have shaped Melbourne since the around every cobble-stoned corner. You’ll finish the tour early 1800s. Take a close look at bugs, from stick insects feeling like a local. to red-back and funnel-web spiders in Bugs Alive. Wander through a living forest with resident wildlife inside the Forest Gallery. Journey into the mind and explore a world AUSTRALIA’S LARGEST OPEN AIR MARKET of emotions, thoughts, memories and dreams in The Mind Queen Victoria Market is an authentic, bustling, inner-city exhibition. market and is Melbourne’s melting pot of produce in the heart of the city. Home to more than 600 small businesses, A FOOD LOVER’S DREAM the market brings together fresh produce, colourful traders, specialty goods, emerging artisans, performers Experience the culinary capital of Australia. From and a diverse collection of cultures. Take an iconic two- internationally renowned restaurants such as Rosetta and hour food experience offering an insight into Australian Rockpool Bar & Grill to ‘pop up’ eateries, chic rooftop bars cuisine led by a local guide. and food truck parks, Melbourne has a food experience to tantalise any taste buds. Share Melburnians’ obsession with coffee and indulge in a brew or two at some of our EXPERIENCE THE INNER SANCTUM OF THE ‘G’ famous coffee haunts. Experience the National Sports Museum, guided tours of the ‘G and more at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground PEEK BACKSTAGE (MCG). Take a guided tour that goes behind the scenes, walk on the hallowed arena of the MCG and experience the The city has a thriving arts and culture scene all year round. exhilaration as the 100,000 crowd roars from the stand. Go behind-the-scenes at Australia’s largest performing Be immersed in the history of the world-class facility and arts centre and the home of world-class music, dance and learn about Australia’s indigenous game Aussie Rules by opera at Arts Centre Melbourne. Discover how the stage is the league’s founder, the Melbourne Football Club. brought to life at the grand State Theatre and uncover the 130 years of history that lies beneath the Centre’s famous spire as you descend five floors beneath street level.

MELBOURNE | AUSTRALIA IGC 2028 62 SELF-GUIDED MELBOURNE EXPERIENCES

Follow a self-guided itinerary and see the very best of Melbourne’s lifestyle and attractions.

ITINERARY 1 – ARTS, CULTURE AND THEATRE Breakfast at Cumulus Inc. will see you fuelled to explore Gaze through the waterwall at the front entrance and nearby street art. Take your camera out and wander down admire the world’s largest, kaleidoscopic span of stained Flinders Lane to Hosier Lane, scouting out stencils and glass in the ceiling of the Great Hall. paste-ups, murals and installations. For the local, inside Book seats for a show in the East End Theatre District, word on Melbourne’s famous urban art, consider taking a Melbourne’s hub of historic theatres hosting world-class street-art walking tour with Localing. stage and musical productions. End your day finding Stroll across to Federation Square and watch the passers- the perfect feast in Flinders Lane, one of the city’s best by, explore the unique indigenous artwork at the Ian Potter addresses for dining. Queue up for pan-Asian flavour Centre, the world’s first major gallery dedicated exclusively sensations at Supernormal or the award-winning Saké to Australian art, or take in the city skyline as you meander Restaurant & Bar. For a nightcap, head to Trinket, where a along the Yarra River. basement bar is accessed through a Narnia-like wardrobe. From here, wander up to National Gallery Victoria International for one of the southern hemisphere’s most impressive collections of European, Asian, Oceanic and American art.

ITINERARY 2 – FOODIE TRAIL Get up early to experience the Queen Victoria Market Pop in to Royal Arcade, Melbourne’s oldest covered at its bustling best. Join locals jostling for the best fresh shopping precinct and the longest standing arcade in produce in the aisles and queuing for a brekky bratwurst the country. For the chocoholics, enjoy Melbourne’s local or baked goods in the deli hall. Experience the Market at handcrafted chocolate at Koko Black while looking up to its liveliest on a 2-hour Ultimate Foodie Tour where you’ll fully appreciate the spectacular Italianate architectural learn the fascinating history and uncover the specialty features of the Arcade. foods you can buy. Jump on a tram and chase the sun to cosmopolitan St A visit to Melbourne would not be complete without Kilda, the beachside playground that has attracted artists Afternoon Tea at The Hotel Windsor - a quintessential and musicians since its days as a genteel seaside resort Melbourne experience steeped in tradition and served to the storied hedonism of the 1970s. Enjoy a memorable since 1883. dinner at Donovan’s, located on the St Kilda beachfront serving up beautiful Mediterranean inspired food.

MELBOURNE | AUSTRALIA IGC 2028 63 SELF-GUIDED MELBOURNE EXPERIENCES

Follow a self-guided itinerary and see the very best of Melbourne’s lifestyle and attractions.

ITINERARY 3 – A SPORTING GREAT Melbourne is the sporting capital of the world according some of the country’s biggest heroes and highlights to the SportBusiness Ultimate Sport City Awards, the moments that have shaped the traditions of Australian longest-running rankings of the world’s top sports hosts. sport. Learn about ‘Aussie Rules’ football and adopt a local team to cheer on. Start your day with the most spectacular floor-to-ceiling, 360-degree views in Australia (the highest in the Southern A short tram ride will have you at the home of the Hemisphere) at the Melbourne Eureka Skydeck. See Melbourne Cup since 1861. Flemington Racecourse is one Melbourne’s finest views of Albert Park Lake, home of the of Australia’s most significant cultural and sporting venues Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix, and Melbourne’s sporting and boasts the largest public rose garden in the Southern precinct at Melbourne Olympic Parks. Hemisphere. Embark on a guided walking tour to learn about the highlights and heroes from Flemington’s history Take a short walk along the Yarra River before going and see the landmarks that have made the Melbourne Cup behind-the-scenes with a guided tour of the legendary ‘the race that stops a nation’. Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). Explore the inner sanctum of the MCG, walk on the hallowed arena and End your day back in the heart of the city with a cold beer experience where legends play. Finish your tour in the and classic pub ‘grub’ at Melbourne’s oldest pub, the Duke National Sports Museum that features memorabilia from of Wellington Hotel.

ITINERARY 4 – REGIONAL DELIGHTS The Yarra Valley is an ideal destination for a day trip, it is Extend your Sanctuary Tour with a winery lunch at one of Australia’s leading wine making regions and located Levantine Hill, one of the region’s most- celebrated dining just a short distance from Melbourne. destinations. Travel in style and fly from the Melbourne CBD helipad Stop off on your way back to experience Chadstone – The to the Yarra Valley with Microflite, where you’ll be Fashion Capital, Australia’s largest shopping centre and a chauffeured in style to any of the 80+ wineries and cellar world-renowned fashion and entertainment hub located doors located in the area. Stop in at Healesville Sanctuary just 20 minutes from Melbourne’s city centre. for a private tour complete with an up-close-and-personal encounter with our iconic Australian koalas and kangaroos.

MELBOURNE | AUSTRALIA IGC 2028 64 IMMERSE YOURSELF IN ABORIGINAL VICTORIA

Journey through Aboriginal Victoria for a traditional and BUNJILAKA ABORIGINAL CULTURAL CENTRE contemporary experience of this ancient land. Learn more about the spiritual beliefs and unique traditions of South The museum is on land where Aboriginal people have Eastern Australia’s first people, culturally significant sites, lived, laughed, fought, married, dreamed and died for renowned art and original crafts, and a living history which thousands of years. Now, in Bunjilaka, they tell the story reaches back more than 60,000 years. of survival against the odds and celebrate their vibrant cultures through performances, storytelling, artwork and Visit cultural centres, national parks, wetlands and wildlife more. Bunjilaka’s art space, Birrarung Gallery, holds three reserves, public and private art galleries. Head to a exhibitions a year of work by contemporary Koorie artists. cultural and community event like ‘Dreamtime at the G’ in Melbourne. Take a tour with a traditional owner, or dine out ABORIGINAL FOOD ON SHOW IN VICTORIA at a social enterprise restaurant running traineeships with Aboriginal young people. Aboriginal people have survived on bush food for over 80,000 years and over this time have passed down from generation to generation a deep knowledge of UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE LISTED Australian native ingredients and their myriad uses. The Budj Bim Cultural Landscape in south west Victoria While the influence of native ingredients varies, many has formally been recognised on the UNESCO World Victorian kitchens feature these bush foods prominently Heritage List in 2019. and maintain their cultural integrity by being sourced and prepared by Aboriginal people. It’s the only Australian World Heritage property listed exclusively for its Aboriginal cultural values and features IMMERSIVE ABORIGINAL CULTURAL ACTIVITIES the earliest living example of aquaculture in the world. Get hands-on with a range of interactive activities including boomerang painting at Narana Aboriginal ABORIGINAL HERITAGE WALK Cultural Centre, boomerang throwing at Worn Gundidj, Journey into the ancestral lands of the Kulin (Koolin) Nation Tower Hill or painting at Brambuk Cultural Centre. with a 90 minute tour with an Aboriginal guide at the Royal Botanic Gardens. Gain insight into the rich history and ATTEND AN INDIGENOUS EVENT thriving culture of the local First Peoples, and discover their connection to plants and their traditional uses for food, tools Celebrate Australia’s Indigenous culture at a range of and medicine. inspiring events throughout Victoria across the calendar year. A full list can be found here.

MELBOURNE | AUSTRALIA IGC 2028 65 EXPERIENCE REGIONAL VICTORIA

RETREAT TO THE MORNINGTON PENINSULA CLOSE AUSTRALIAN WILDLIFE ENCOUNTER Explore the galleries, local wineries and breezy seaside Listen to the sounds of the Australian bush at the Moonlit villages along the Mornington Peninsula. Drop by the Hot Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park on 10 hectares of Springs where you can indulge in a pamper session or bushland. Experience once-in-a-lifetime experiences of bathe in your very own private outdoor mineral spring cuddling a koala, playing with a dingo or holding an owl. bath set amongst the backdrop of the Australian bush. Feed kangaroos and wallabies, meet endangered species and enjoy encounters with colourful birds, reptiles and many other animals. SOAR OVER THE GREAT OCEAN ROAD VIA HELICOPTER PLAY ONE OF THE WORLD’S BEST Take a chartered Microflight helicopter experience over the Twelve Apostles and gain a birds-eye view of the Tee off where the world’s best have played. Ranked limestone stacks that rise-up from the Southern Ocean, number 18 in the world and number three in Australia, along Victoria’s famous Great Ocean Road. Kingston Heath is one of the country’s premier courses, located a 30-minute drive southeast of Melbourne. After playing 18 holes, you can indulge in a deluxe food and EXPERIENCE THE LITTLE PENGUINS wine experience in the exclusive clubhouse. Watch the Little Penguins at Phillip Island Nature Parks waddle up the beach at sunset at the home of the largest STUNNING VIEWS OF THE YARRA VALLEY penguin colonies in Australia. Choose from numerous viewing options from small intimate groups on the beach Less than an hour’s drive from Melbourne, the Yarra Valley with your own ranger or go underground in the new viewing is a premier wine destination. Choose to sample local wine platform area. Penguins arrive every night of the year. and produce at an abundance of cellar doors or take an early-morning hot air balloon ride over the region followed by a champagne breakfast.

MELBOURNE | AUSTRALIA IGC 2028 66 EXPERIENCE UNIQUE AUSTRALIA

SYDNEY’S MOST ICONIC BUILDING FOLLOW IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF STEVE IRWIN Step inside the Sydney Opera House to discover one of the Head to the majestic hinterland of the Sunshine Coast greatest architectural works of the 20th century set on the and the wildlife encounters come thick and fast. Steve shores of Sydney Harbour. Take a guided tour and explore Irwin’s legacy lives on in this 40-hectare park, which is behind-the-scenes with an intimate small group. Breakfast home to more than 1,200 animals. Embrace the hands- in the exclusive domain of past and present performers, on experiences include kangaroo feeding, breakfast with journey through rehearsal spaces not open to the public, dingoes, and the chance to take a wombat for a walk. and be tantalised with insider secrets. SAMPLE TASSIE’S FINEST EAT CROCODILE TAIL IN THE TOP END Cheese, oysters, wine. Head to Tasmania’s rugged Bruny Experience Australian bush tucker in the heart of Australia. Island to experience award-winning local produce. Start Cicada Lodge in the Northern Territory has several tours with a tasting platter and a tour led by one of the cheese that showcase the beauty of this region including the Nabilil makers at Bruny Island Cheese Co, then sample ocean- Dreaming Sunset Dinner Cruise. Enjoy a three-course meal fresh oysters at Get Shucked Oyster Farm and a luscious cooked on the boat as you learn about the culture and Devonshire tea on a berry farm. In between tastings, take history of the Jawoyn people with the Nitmiluk Gorge as in the island’s untouched beaches, rainforest and wildlife, your backdrop. including the rare white wallaby.

SNORKEL THE GREAT BARRIER REEF LUXURY AT ULURU The Great Barrier Reef is an international icon for a reason: Wake to your own private view of the extraordinary Queensland’s prime World Heritage area is the world’s sunrise over Uluru while staying in a luxury tent nestled largest coral reef system, containing some 3,000 separate among ancient dunes. Listen to a local Anangu guide tell coral reefs and more than 900 islands. You can snorkel over the Dreamtime story of the constellations. Explore the sea stars and giant sea fan coral; spot turtles and hover over spectacular landscape. There are myriad options, including clownfish; or even swim with dolphins, whales and more. helicopter rides, hot air balloons, Harley-Davidson tours and hikes around the base led by a local Indigenous guide. Create unforgettable moments, such as dinner in the desert watching the colours of the sunset fade across Uluru.

ACCESS To get more inspiration for your Australian journey click here

MELBOURNE | AUSTRALIA IGC 2028 67 EXPERIENCE THE ASIA PACIFIC

NEW ZEALAND INDONESIA Active volcanoes, island sanctuaries and history top the With direct flights from Melbourne, delegates can easily list when visiting New Zealand’s North Island. From the far access Indonesia’s many magnificent islands and immerse north where New Zealand’s political history began, journey themselves in its rich culture. Enjoy a perfect dive or watch through landscapes that blend magnificent beaches, turtles lay their eggs at Derawan island, or see the plumes sprawling farmlands and geothermal wonders. Maori of smoke coming from Mt Semeru, an active volcano that culture is rich and ever-present in many parts of the North rises 3,676 metres above sea level. Island. New Zealand’s South Island hosts pure natural landscapes - from wildlife to wineries, from glacial valleys MALAYSIA to star-filled skies, nature’s best flourishes against a palette of dramatic scenes. Experience Malaysia’s Kelantan floating street food market, tucked in the quaint village of Pulau Suri, Tumpat, among a network of estuary islands and tributary rivers. CHINA For an urban escape, Kuala Lumpur’s modern skyline is The ancient treasures and modern wonders of China span dominated by the 451m-tall Petronas Twin Towers, a pair 5,000 years of culture and history. The natural beauty, of glass-and-steel-clad skyscrapers with Islamic motifs. fascinating heritage, mouth-watering cuisine, and state- The towers offer a public skybridge and observation deck. of-the-art cities make China a must-see destination. The city is also home to British colonial-era landmarks With regular direct flights from Melbourne, the IGC 2028 such as the Kuala Lumpur Railway Station and the Sultan provides an excellent opportunity for delegates wishing to Abdul Samad Building. spend some time travelling in the region. SINGAPORE PACIFIC ISLANDS There’s something for everyone - world-class theme parks, Amazing beaches, sunny skies and gorgeous resorts, iconic waterfront attractions, the world’s first night safari, coupled with the warmth of its people make Pacific Island hidden gems to explore in charming neighbourhoods, lush countries an excellent travel choice for those wishing to greenery. Discover how a City in the Garden is rooted in relax and unwind. history and heritage.

MELBOURNE | AUSTRALIA IGC 2028 68 APPENDIX 1 LETTERS OF SUPPORT LETTER OF SUPPORT

Emeritus Professor Yukio Himiyama M20/242 President The International Geographical Union c/- Department of Environmental & Geographical Science South Lane University of Cape Town Rondebosch 7701 Cape Town SOUTH AFRICA

Dear Emeritus Professor Himiyama

I am pleased to endorse Melbourne’s bid to host the 36th International Geographical Congress in 2028.

Melbourne is the capital of the State of Victoria and home to a diverse population of more than five million people, including many of Australia’s best minds in the arts, research and education. As our nation’s cultural capital, Melbourne is brimming with attractions for your delegates, including world-class theatres, galleries and museums, and vibrant restaurants, cafes and bars.

Victoria is proudly known as Australia’s ‘Education State’, a testament to our state’s expertise in education and research. Our education system is internationally recognised for its commitment to lifelong learning, excellence and equity. Victorian learners benefit from a curriculum that prescribes the learning of geography, science and the teaching of intercultural capabilities to prepare our learners for a dynamic and interconnected global future. These values complement the goals of the International Geographical Union and make Melbourne an ideal location to host the 36th International Geographical Congress.

Should our bid be successful, it would be held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. This world-class facility includes 39,000m2 of flexible, multi-purpose event space, including meeting and banquet rooms, a 9,000m2 exhibition hall, and a 347-room hotel on site.

Thank you for considering Melbourne as the host city for the 36th International Geographical Congress 2028. We welcome the opportunity to host the leading experts in Geography.

Yours sincerely

The Hon Daniel Andrews MP Premier

Your details will be dealt with in accordance with the Public Records Act 1973 and the Privacy and Data Protection Act 2014. Should you have any queries or wish to gain access to your personal information held by this department please contact our Privacy Officer at the above address.

MELBOURNE | AUSTRALIA IGC 2028 70 LETTER OF SUPPORT

MELBOURNE | AUSTRALIA IGC 2028 71 LETTER OF SUPPORT

MELBOURNE | AUSTRALIA IGC 2028 72 LETTER OF SUPPORT

MELBOURNE | AUSTRALIA IGC 2028 73 LETTER OF SUPPORT

MELBOURNE | AUSTRALIA IGC 2028 74 LETTER OF SUPPORT

Institute of Australian Geographers

Representing geographers and promoting geography in Australia

W: Iag.org.au/home

Professor RB Singh Secretary General International Geographical Union c/o University of Delhi Department of Geography Delhi School of Economics Delhi‐110007 India

18 November 2019

Dear Professor Singh,

RE: Support for the Bid to host the 2028 International Geographical Congress in Melbourne

The Institute of Australian Geographers (IAG) is delighted to support the proposal from Melbourne as host city for the 2028 International Geographical Congress. I write to you as President of the IAG to express strong support for the bid.

The IAG is the principal body representing geographers and promoting the study and application of geography in Australia. It was founded in 1958 and since then has promoted, supported and defended Australian geography. The aims of the Institute are:

 to promote the study and practice of geography in Australia  to advance the study of Australian geography internationally  to hold and sponsor meetings and conferences to present, discuss and disseminate geographical studies and research  to publish the results of geographical research in a journal  to represent the interests of professional geographers in Australia, and  to co‐operate with other organisations having kindred purposes

1

MELBOURNE | AUSTRALIA IGC 2028 75 LETTER OF SUPPORT

The IAG has around 350 members. It holds annual conferences (with attendances ranging from 200 to 300), publishes the Journal ‘Geographical Research’ through Wiley publishing, and provides organisational and financial support for numerous ‘study groups’. The IAG became a member of the IGU in 1960. Members of the IAG include geographers employed in universities and research organisations, teachers, postgraduate students, geographers in local, state and national government departments and agencies or in the business sector, as well as people with a keen interest in the subject.

We understand the importance of the International Geographical Congress, and to demonstrate our support and commitment to the event, the IAG would be willing and able to provide:

 Assistance in developing the Congress program  Promotion of the event to our members, along with other relevant industry bodies and associations  Pre‐/post‐conference workshops/IAG study group activities/field trips to complement the Congress program  Cash sponsorship to support post‐graduate students and Early Career Researchers  General sponsorship and funding for keynote speakers (sought from Wiley by virtue of its publication of Geographical Research―IAG’s Journal).

2028 coincides with the anticipated joint conference of the IAG and the New Zealand Geographical Society. As such, the IGC could expect that at least 500 delegates of these combined parties would attend.

We are confident that Melbourne will offer an excellent experience for all attendees. Melbourne is a large and dynamic city with well‐developed infrastructure, making it more than capable of hosting a successful event in 2028.

This is an exciting opportunity for Australia’s geographical community and we trust you will receive this letter as indication of our support for the Melbourne bid to host the 2028 Congress.

Sincerely,

Assoc Professor Beverley Clarke President, IAG

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MELBOURNE | AUSTRALIA IGC 2028 76 LETTER OF SUPPORT

January 21 , 2020 Stephen M. Turton, PhD, DFIAG Adjunct Professor of Environmental Professor RB Singh Geography Secretary General International Geographical Union Division of Research c/o University of Delhi, Department of Geography CQUniversity, Cairns, Australia Delhi School of Economics [email protected] Dehli-110007 India +61 (0) 429813644

Dear Professor Singh, Australia

2028 International Geographical Congress

In my capacity as Chair of the National Committee for Geographical Sciences (NCGS) - Australian Academy of Science I would like to express my enthusiastic support for the Institute of Australian Geographers’ bid to host the 2028 IGU Congress in Melbourne, Australia. The NCGS represents Australian geography as a whole, recognising that the discipline contributes to the sciences, social sciences, arts and humanities.

The year 2028 will be an important anniversary year for Australian geography for number of reasons. It will mark 70 years since the establishment of the Institute of Australian Geographers, 40 years since the last IGU Congress held in Australia at the University of Sydney, and a decade after the publication of Geography: Shaping Australia’s Future—a landmark 10-year strategic plan for geography aligned with the national research priorities, and other key areas where Australian geographers are addressing environmental and societal challenges. Australian geographers will indeed be well-placed by then to showcase their cutting-edge research resulting from recommendations in the 2018 strategic plan.

I urge the IGU to focus its efforts on supporting a Congress in the southern hemisphere for a change and to support the compelling bid from the Institute of Australian Geographers to host the event in spectacular Melbourne, one of the world’s most livable cities!

Professor Steve Turton Chair National Committee for Geographical Sciences, AAS

People and Culture Directorate | Building 5 | CQUniversity Rockhampton North

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Professor Lynda Johnston, National President New Zealand Geographical Society Inc Geography Programme University of Waikato Tauranga Private Bag 3105 Hamilton Aotearoa New Zealand Telephone: 64 7 262 0568 Email: [email protected] Web site: www.nzgs.co.nz

Professor RB Singh Secretary General International Geographical Union c/o University of Delhi Department of Geography Delhi School of Economics Delhi-110007 India

25 November 2019

Dear Professor Singh

RE: Support for the Bid to host the 2028 International Geographical Congress in Melbourne

On behalf of the New Zealand Geographical Society I am delighted to support the proposal from Melbourne as host city for the 2028 International Geographical Congress. I am the President of the New Zealand Geographical Society (NZGS). The Society was founded in 1944. Today we are a community of nearly 300 members in numerous institutions, such as: secondary and tertiary education; local and national authorities; businesses; communities; research institutes; environmental organisations, and so on. The Society has six branches throughout New Zealand. Our journal – the New Zealand Geographer – was launched more than 50 years ago, is internationally refereed, and published by Wiley. The primary aims and objectives of the Society are to: foster geography and its application in New Zealand society; foster the study of geography in secondary and tertiary educational institutions across New Zealand; support the work of geography teachers; promote geographic research; make available the findings of original geographical research; and, respond appropriately to calls from the private sector, Crown agencies and community organisations for informed submissions.

We are a very active Society with close links to the Institute of Australian Geographers (IAG). Every four years the IAG and NZGS hold joint conferences. Having the 2028 Congress in Melbourne would provide an excellent opportunity for our organisation to interact with a wide range of experts in the field. Further, Melbourne is an easy destination for New Zealanders to reach and a wonderful city to visit. It is a large and dynamic city with well-developed infrastructure, making it more than capable of

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exciting opportunity for Australia’s and New Zealand’s geographical communities

MELBOURNE | AUSTRALIA IGC 2028 79 LETTER OF SUPPORT

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Australian Geography Teachers’ Association Limited ABN: 63 334 942 619

Postal Address Website: www.agta.asn.au C/o GAWA Patron: Tim Costello AO PO Box 1252 Chairperson: Trish Douglas Subiaco WA 6904

Professor RB Singh Secretary General International Geographical Union C/o University of Delhi Department of Geography Delhi School of Economics Delhi-110007 India

3 December 2019

Dear Professor Singh

RE: Support for the Bid to host the 2028 International Geographical Congress in Melbourne

The Australian Geography Teachers’ Association Limited (AGTA) understands that Melbourne is being considered as the host city for the 2028 International Geographical Congress. This is very pleasing news and I write to you to express our strong support for this bid.

AGTA is comprised of seven affiliate geography teacher associations, representative of each state and territory across Australia. The Association aims to serve the needs of geography educators across primary, secondary and tertiary levels in all affiliate associations, both metropolitan and non- metropolitan. Additionally, the Association seeks to develop and maintain links with national as well as international community members, educators and researchers who have an interest in geography and geographical education.

The purpose of AGTA is to:

• foster the teaching and learning of geography in Australian schools and enhance awareness of its applications in society • promote and circulate the results of research into geography education • maintain a professional network through which teachers of geography in Australia may express opinions on educational matters • represent the interests of its member affiliates on national education decision making bodies.

AGTA understands the importance of the IGU Congress, and as a national association that has had significant success in hosting conferences in Melbourne over the years, we are confident that Melbourne will offer an excellent experience for all attendees. Melbourne is well known in hosting major events and to demonstrate our support and commitment to the Congress and being held in this city we would be happy to assist in promoting the event nationally and regionally through our state branches and our professional networks.

Members • Geographical Association of Western Australia • Geography and History Teachers Association of the Northern Territory • Geography Teachers’ Association of New South Wales & ACT • Geography Teachers’ Association of Queensland • Geography Teachers’ Association of South Australia • Geography Teachers’ Association of Victoria • Tasmanian Geography Teachers’ Association •

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Australian Geography Teachers’ Association Limited ABN: 63 334 942 619

Postal Address Website: www.agta.asn.au C/o GAWA Patron: Tim Costello AO PO Box 1252 Chairperson: Trish Douglas Subiaco WA 6904

AGTA already has a productive and mutually beneficial relationship with academic geographers (for example, from the Institute of Australian Geographers) and we believe that having the IGU Congress 2028 in Melbourne would provide an excellent opportunity for our organisation to interact with a wide range of experts in the field. We would also anticipate providing input into the Congress program should the Melbourne bid be successful. We would certainly explore options for providing a pre or post conference event such as a regional workshop or field trip to complement the conference program.

This is an exciting opportunity for Australia’s and New Zealand’s geographical community and we trust you will receive this letter as a solid indication of our support for the Melbourne bid to host the 2028 Congress.

Sincerely,

Trish Douglas Chairperson Australian Geography Teachers' Association Limited (AGTA)

Joanne Wegener Vice Chairperson Australian Geography Teachers' Association Limited (AGTA)

Dr Grant Kleeman Treasurer Immediate Past Chairperson Australian Geography Teachers' Association Limited (AGTA)

Anna Griffin Secretary Australian Geography Teachers' Association Limited (AGTA)

Members • Geographical Association of Western Australia • Geography and History Teachers Association of the Northern Territory • Geography Teachers’ Association of New South Wales & ACT • Geography Teachers’ Association of Queensland • Geography Teachers’ Association of South Australia • Geography Teachers’ Association of Victoria • Tasmanian Geography Teachers’ Association •

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Dr Rae Dufty-Jones President Geographical Society of NSW c/o Western Sydney University Geography and Planning School of Social Sciences Locked Bag 1797 Penrith Sth DC, NSW 2751, Australia

Professor RB Singh Secretary General International Geographical Union c/o University of Delhi Department of Geography Delhi School of Economics Delhi-110007 India

ABN: ABN: 12686072536

6 December 2019

ABN: 12686072536 ABN:

Dear Professor Singh,

RE: Support for the Bid to host the 2028 International Geographical Congress in Melbourne

The Geographical Society of New South Wales understands that Melbourne is being considered as the host city for the 2028 International Geographical Congress. This is pleasing news and I write to you to express strong support for the bid.

The Geographical Society of New South Wales’ mission is to represent geography and geographers and to

advance geographical scholarship in New South Wales and throughout Australia. Founded in 1927, the Society has been dedicated to the promotion, support and nurturing of geographical research and education for more than 90 years. The Society’s membership is made up of geographers involved with the discipline professionally (e.g. research, education, government and other industries) and members of the public with broad interests in human and physical environments.

The Geographical Society of New South understands the importance of the International Geographical Congress, and to demonstrate our support and commitment to the event, the Society would be willing and able to provide the following support: • Promotion of the event to our members along with other relevant industry bodies and associations using a number of platforms, • Host a pre- or post-conference workshop to complement the Congress program

This is an exciting opportunity for Australia’s and New Zealand’s geographical community, and we trust you

The Geographical Society of New South Wales Inc. Wales South New of Society Geographical The will receive this letter as a solid indication of the Geographical Society of New South Wales’ support for the Melbourne bid to host the 2028 Congress.

Yours sincerely

www.gsnsw.org.au Fax: 02 4736 0150

Dr Rae Dufty-Jones President, Geographical Society of New South Wales https://www.geogsoc.org.au

ity of Western Sydney [email protected] off School of Social Sciences, Kingswood Univers Locked Bag 1797, Penrith 2751 NSW Ph: 02 4736 0959

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The Royal Geographical Society of Queensland Inc ABN 87 014 673 068 Est 1885

Level1, 28 Fortescue Street, Spring Hill Qld 4000, Australia Phone: + 61 7 3368 2066 Email: [email protected] Internet: www.rgsq.org.au

Professor RB Singh Secretary General International Geographical Union c/o University of Delhi Department of Geography Delhi School of Economics Delhi-110007 India

11 December 2019

Dear Professor Singh,

RE: Support for the Bid to host the 2028 International Geographical Congress in Melbourne

The Royal Geographical Society of Queensland (RGSQ) understands that Melbourne is being considered as the host city for the 2028 International Geographical Congress. This is very pleasing news and I write to you to express strong support for the bid.

The Royal Geographical Society of Queensland, established in 1885, promotes the study and science of Geography and encourages a greater understanding of the world around us. The Society is a voluntary, not-for-profit organisation that brings together and welcomes people from all walks of life who share an interest in places, Geography and the environment. The current membership of the RGSQ is 358.

The Society continues to offer a vibrant program of activities and projects including:  Scientific expeditions into the geography including the geomorphology, flora and fauna in locations in Queensland and Australia;  Support for academic research, fieldwork and publications;  Support for geographical education, in particular through the Australian Geography Competition;  Monthly public lectures on topics of local, national and global significance;  Day trips and longer treks both within Australia and overseas;  Input into the status and quality of Geography in Australian schools, for example via contributions to the Australian National Geography Curriculum;  Special interest member groups in specific fields of Geography and aspects of the Society e.g maps and cartography;  A library and archival collection which houses a significant collection of maps and publications, and  Advocacy of the awareness and value of geography across the whole community.

The RGSQ ‘s strategic vision is to be a vibrant organisation in the sharing and promotion of geographical knowledge, and to further build the Society’s profile and reputation, nationally and internationally. I understand the importance of the International Geographical Congress and having the 2028 Congress in Melbourne would provide an excellent opportunity for members of

LETTER OF SUPPORT

our organisation to interact with a wide range of experts in the field.

Should the Melbourne bid be successful, the RGSQ will assist in promoting the Congress among our members and related professional and research networks. To demonstrate our support and commitment to the event, the RGSQ would be willing and able to provide:  Advertising the Congress and encouraging our members to attend;  Hosting conference events such as a field trip, regional meeting or local workshop

I am confident that holding the Congress in Melbourne will offer an excellent experience for all attendees. Melbourne is a large and dynamic city with well-developed infrastructure, making it more than capable of hosting a successful event in 2028. This is an exciting opportunity for Australia’s and New Zealand’s geographical community and we trust you will receive this letter as a solid indication of our support for the Melbourne bid to host the 2028 Congress.

Sincerely,

Dr. Iraphne RW Childs President, The Royal Geographical Society of Queensland, Ltd

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9 December 2019 Royal Geographical Society

of South Australia Inc. ______

Dear Assoc Prof Rutherford and Dr Phillips

Re: Institute of Australian Geographers (IAG) bid to host the 2028 International Geographical Union (IGU) Congress

Thank you for your letter of 15 November 2019 advising the Royal Geographical Society of SA Inc. (RGSSA) that the IAG is to make a bid to host the above event and to seek the RGSSA’s support for that bid.

The matter was discussed at the RGSSA’s governing Council meeting and I am pleased to advise, in the event that the IAG is successful in its bid, that the RGSSA is happy to undertake to advertise the Congress and encourage our membership, and that of associated organisations, to attend and participate in the 2028 Congress.

The RGSSA also looks forward to working with the IAG to explore other opportunities for our two organisations to collaborate to ensure a successful and representative Congress, such as, but not limited to, holding satellite conference events.

The RGSSA would like to wish the IAG’s Local Organizing Committee every success with the bid and look forward to working with you closely in the future.

Kind regards,

Leigh Radford OAM President

STREET ADDRESS POSTAL ADDRESS OFFICE LIBRARY WEBSITE Mortlock Wing PO Box 3661 Tel (08) 8207 7265 Tel: (08) 8207 7266 www.rgssa.org.au State Library of South Australia Rundle Mall Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] North Terrace Adelaide S.A., 5000 Adelaide SA 5000 Australia ABN 93 978 549 002 Trustee RGSSA Scholarship Fund ABN 622 659 930 313 Trustee for RGSSA Library Fund ABN 93 978 549 002

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Professor RB Singh Secretary General International Geographical Union c/o University of Delhi Department of Geography Delhi School of Economics Delhi-110007 India

15 January 2020

Dear Professor Singh

RE: Support for the Bid to host the 2028 International Geographical Congress in Melbourne

I am writing this letter on behalf of the Australian Academy of Science, as the National Adhering Organisation for Australia, to offer our full and enthusiastic support for the bid to host the 2028 International Geographical Union (IGU) Congress in Melbourne, Australia.

As Australia’s most eminent scientific body, the Academy champions, celebrates and supports excellence in Australian science, promotes international scientific engagement, builds public awareness and understanding of science and provides independent, authoritative and influential scientific advice.

With guidance from our National Committee for Geographical Sciences, the Academy facilitates engagement between Australian and overseas geographers, and seeks to foster the discipline within Australia. In 2018 the National Committee released a report, ‘Geography: Shaping Australia’s future’, outlining a unified vision for Australian geography over the next decade. Bringing the IGU Congress to Melbourne in 2028 would provide an ideal forum to celebrate the achievements of the preceding decade and mark the beginning of the next, through an international meeting which reflects the importance of cooperation across national borders to address key global challenges, such as mitigation and management of natural disasters which is a timely and relevant challenge for many countries, including Australia.

As the Australian adhering body to the IGU, the Australian Academy of Science looks forward to being kept abreast of the bidding process and looks forward to welcoming the international geography community to an unforgettable and inspiring IGU Congress in Melbourne, Australia in 2028.

Yours sincerely

Professor John Shine AC PresAA President The Australian Academy of Science

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National Office: 26 Balmain Cr, Acton, ACT GPO Box 1956, Canberra, ACT, 2601 (02) 6249 1788 [email protected] www.socialsciences.org.au

6 January 2020 Professor RB Singh Secretary General International Geographical Union c/o University of Delhi Department of Geography Delhi School of Economics Delhi-110007 India

Dear Professor Singh,

RE: Support for the Bid to host the 2028 International Geographical Congress in Melbourne

I am delighted to confirm the support of the Academy of the Social Sciences in Australia for the proposal to host the 2028 International Geographical Congress in Melbourne, Australia.

The Academy is Australia’s pre-eminent organisation of distinguished social science researchers and practitioners, with almost 700 elected Fellows spanning 17 disciplines, including geography. The Academy was formed in 1971 to represent and advocate for social science research and to provide evidence-based advice to governments on key social issues.

Geography has a strong tradition of academic and applied excellence within the Academy and in Australia. The unprecedented bushfires facing Australia at present also highlight the need and the value of this high level expertise and capacity across all dimensions of physical and human geography.

Having the 2028 Congress in Melbourne would provide an excellent opportunity for Australia’s world-leading experts, many of them Academy Fellows, to provide highly significant contributions to the 2028 Congress.

Melbourne is well-regarded as a destination for international conferences and meetings, and I’m confident that if chosen as host for the 2028 congress it would provide an exceptional experience for all attendees. Should the bid be successful, the Academy would assist through promotion of the Congress among its Fellows and through its Australian and Asia- Pacific networks.

Yours sincerely,

Dr Chris Hatherly CEO

MELBOURNE | AUSTRALIA IGC 2028 88 LETTER OF SUPPORT

MELBOURNE | AUSTRALIA IGC 2028 89 LETTER OF SUPPORT

Professor RB Singh Secretary General International Geographical Union c/o University of Delhi Department of Geography Delhi School of Economics Delhi-110007 India

20 December 2019

Dear Professor Singh,

Re: Support for the Bid to host the 2028 International Geographical Congress in Melbourne

On behalf of the School of Geography at the University of Melbourne I am delighted to offer support for the bid. As the only free-standing School of Geography in Australia we are proud to provide national leadership in both human and physical sides of the discipline.

Members of the School have convened and are core members of the local organizing committee, bringing together colleagues from the three other Melbourne universities with strong Geography programs. In addition, as current Head of School, I will be Co-Chairing the National Organising Committee, and several of our staff will lead fieldtrips and other events (within the program and pre/post-Congress) based in their expertise. Our commitment is also evident in the $25,000 we will provide to support postgraduate and early career researcher attendance from disadvantaged countries.

We look forward to the opportunity to welcome world Geography to Melbourne in 2028.

Yours sincerely,

Professor Lesley Head FAHA FASSA DFIAG Redmond Barry Distinguished Professor Head, School of Geography

School of Geography Faculty of Science The University of Melbourne, 221 Bouverie St, Carlton 3053 Australia T: +61 3 8344 9311 F: +61 3 9349 4218 W: science.unimelb.edu.au

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Professor Saul Cunningham Fenner School of Environment & Society ANU College of Science

T: +61 2 6125 4588 E: [email protected] 18 December 2019 Room 1.12, Frank Fenner Building #141 Linneaus Way Professor RB Singh Canberra ACT 2601 Australia Secretary General www.anu.edu.au International Geographical Union c/o University of Delhi CRICOS Provider No. 00120C Department of Geography Delhi School of Economics Delhi-110007 India

RE: Support for the Bid to host the 2028 International Geographical Congress in Melbourne

Dear Professor Singh,

As director of the Fenner School of Environment and Society I write to express support for the proposal to hold the International Geographical Union congress in Melbourne in 2028. The Fenner School is the home of the Geography Major at the Australian National University. In 2019 the ANU was ranked 10 in the world for Geography by QS World University Rankings. ANU experts in this field will certainly be keen to make a contribution to the program.

Further, if the Congress were to be held in Melbourne in 2028, the Fenner School would be keen to sponsor the participation of a researcher providing indigenous geography perspectives to the congress.

Best Regards,

Professor Saul Cunningham Director Fenner School of Environment & Society ANU College of Science

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Associate Professor Kristian Ruming Head of Department Department of Geography and Planning Faculty of Arts Macquarie University NSW 2109 Australia T: +61 (2) 9850 9314 E: [email protected]

Professor RB Singh Secretary General International Geographical Union c/o University of Delhi Department of Geography Delhi School of Economics Delhi-110007 India

17 January 2020

Dear Professor Singh,

RE: Support for the Bid to host the 2028 International Geographical Congress in Melbourne

I am delighted to support the proposal from Melbourne as host city for the 2028 International Geographical Congress.

The Department of Geography and Planning at Macquarie University is one of the largest geography departments in Australia, with 19 full-time academic staff and over 30 higher degree research students (PhD and MRes). Our research is focused on the complex relationships between human and environmental systems in cities and regions. Our research interest spans across human rights to water planning, climate change to social housing, refugee camps to digital spaces, tourist studies to urban regeneration, Indigenous cultures to human-environment relations, biopolitics to geopolitics. We offer innovative teaching programs at undergraduate and postgraduate levels in geography, human geography, urban studies, refugee studies, environment and law, and urban planning.

Having the 2028 Congress in Melbourne would provide an excellent opportunity for our staff and students to showcase our research and engage with leading geographers from across the globe. The Congress offers a unique opportunity to foster international geographical learning and collaboration and our staff and students look forward to engaging with our national and international colleagues.

I expect that a significant number of our staff members and students would attend. Should the bid be successful, the Department of Geography and Planning will assist in promoting the Congress among its members and related networks.

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Associate Professor Kristian Ruming Head of Department Department of Geography and Planning Faculty of Arts Macquarie University NSW 2109 Australia T: +61 (2) 9850 9314 E: [email protected]

I am confident that Melbourne will offer an excellent experience for all attendees. This is an exciting opportunity for Australia’s and New Zealand’s geographical community and we trust you will receive this letter as a solid indication of our support for the Melbourne bid to host the 2028 Congress.

Sincerely,

Associate Professor Kristian Ruming Head of Department Department of Geography and Planning, Macquarie University

MELBOURNE | AUSTRALIA IGC 2028 93 LETTER OF SUPPORT

Associate Professor Megan Farrelly Discipline Convenor – Human Geography School of Social Sciences, Monash University 20 Chancellors Walk Clayton VIC 3800 p/+61399054618 e/[email protected]

6th December 2019

Professor RB Singh Secretary General International Geographical Union c/o University of Delhi Department of Geography Delhi School of Economics Delhi-110007 India

Dear Professor Singh, RE: Support for the Bid to host the 2028 International Geographical Congress in Melbourne On behalf of all Geographers at Monash University, we are delighted to support the proposal from Melbourne in its bid to be the host city for the 2028 International Geographical Congress. Geography at Monash University has a long and distinguished tradition, and has many geographers working throughout the University, but particularly within the School of Social Sciences (Human Geography, Faculty of Arts) and the School of Earth, Atmosphere and Environment (Faculty of Science). Monash University strongly encourages and supports the involvement of its staff in contributing to and attending this significant international forum. Hosting the International Geographical Congress here in Melbourne would bring attention to the world-class geographical research undertaken here in Australia, provide an excellent platform for our organisation to interact with a wide range of geography experts, and afford excellent access to international scholars to expand our PhD students’ community of practice. This is an exciting opportunity for Australia’s and New Zealand’s geographical community and we trust you will receive this letter as a solid indication of our support for the Melbourne bid to host the 2028 Congress. We understand the importance of hosting the International Geographical Congress and are confident that Melbourne will offer an excellent experience for all attendees . Should the bid be successful we anticipate Monash geographers (academic staff and students) would attend the event and provide leadership in a range of field trips relevant to their research. Monash will assist in promoting the Congress activities among its related networks and host a pre- or post-conference event, should the Melbourne bid be successful. We look forward to hearing the outcome of this bid.

Yours sincerely,

Dr Megan Farrelly Professor Andrew MacIntosh A/Professor, Human Geography Head of Earth, Atmosphere and Environment School of Social Sciences Faculty of Science Monash University Monash University

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Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Department of Geography

Professor RB Singh Secretary General, International Geographical Union c/o University of Delhi Department of Geography Delhi School of Economics Delhi-110007 India

15 January 2020

Dear Professor Singh,

RE: Support for the Bid to host the 2028 International Geographical Congress in Melbourne

I am delighted, as Head of the Department of Geography at the National University of Singapore (NUS), to support the proposal from Melbourne as host city for the 2028 International Geographical Congress.

The Department of Geography, NUS, has a long and proud history dating back to 1928, when Geography became one of the first subjects offered in the Faculty of Arts at Raffles College, which was eventually to become NUS. Having recently celebrated our 90th birthday, we are now firmly established as Asia’s leading Department of Geography and are consistently ranked among the top geography departments globally. This reputation is in part built upon research excellence in three key areas: tropical environmental change, social and cultural geographies, and political and economic geography. It is also, however, a product of a long-standing commitment to collegiality, inclusion, safety and mutual respect.

Many geographers in NUS, past and present, have supported IGU activities and continue to do so. I see little reason why this active commitment to the IGU might waiver in coming years, given the importance the organisation has locally, regionally and globally, and its long-standing devotion to the development of the discipline of Geography and to enabling the participation of geographers from around the world in collaborative and meaningful geographical research. I am confident that Melbourne will offer an excellent experience for all attendees, and thus have no hesitation in expressing my confidence that having the 2028 Congress in Melbourne will provide an unrivalled opportunity for faculty and students in the Department of Geography, NUS, and indeed others in the region, to interact with a wide range of experts in the field.

I am therefore pleased to provide support to the proposal, through promoting the meeting through my and the Department’s regional and global networks of contacts and by encouraging colleagues to participate in the organization of events in association with the conference. Such events would include panel sessions and possibly also field excursions in Southeast Asia should the Melbourne bid be successful.

Sincerely,

David Taylor Provost's Chair, Professor of Tropical Environmental Change Head, Department of Geography

1 Arts Link, Singapore 117570 Tel: (65) 6516 3851 Fax: (65) 6777 3091 Website: www.nus.edu.sg Company Registration No: 200604346E

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13/01/2020 School of Global, Urban and Social Studies GPO Box 2476 Professor RB Singh Melbourne VIC 3001 Secretary General Australia International Geographical Union Tel. + 61 3 9925 2328 Fax + 61 3 9925 8266 c/o University of Delhi www.rmit.edu.au Department of Geography Delhi School of Economics Delhi-110007 India

Dear Professor Singh,

RE: Support for the Bid to host the 2028 International Geographical Congress in Melbourne

I write to express my strong support for the proposal from Melbourne as host city for the 2028 International Geographical Congress.

The School of Global, Urban and Social Studies at RMIT University is home to a number of internationally recognised experts in geography and particularly urban studies. The Centre for Urban Research (CUR) within our school is the largest concentration of urban researchers in Australia, with eight different research programs focussing on themes including: People, Nature, Place; Critical Urban Governance; Healthy Liveable Cities; Urban Cultures and Technologies and Climate Change Transformations. The contribution that our researchers could make to the IGC program would be highly significant.

This is an exciting opportunity for Australia’s and New Zealand’s geographical community and we trust you will receive this letter as a solid indication of our support for the Melbourne bid to host the 2028 Congress.

I am confident that Melbourne will offer an excellent experience for all attendees, and I am/we are pleased to offer support to the proposal. RMIT University would be happy to:

• Assist in the development of the Congress program • Promote the event to our staff, CUR members and other relevant industry bodies and associations • Host a pre- or post- conference workshop to complement the Congress program

Your sincerely,

Professor Robin Goodman Dean School of Global, Urban and Social Studies RMIT University

MELBOURNE | AUSTRALIA IGC 2028 96 LETTER OF SUPPORT

Professor RB Singh Secretary General International Geographical Union c/o University of Delhi Department of Geography Delhi School of Economics Delhi-110007 India

18 November 2019

Dear Professor Singh,

RE: Support for the Bid to host the 2028 International Geographical Congress in Melbourne

I write to support the proposal from Melbourne as host city for the 2028 International Geographical Congress.

Our department – Geography, Environment and Population (GEP) at the University of Adelaide would benefit greatly from having the IGU 2028 in Australia, as it would facilitate the opportunity for our staff to meet and develop exchanges with geography scholars from all over the world.

In particular, we would welcome the opportunity to forge new relationships with other geographers working in the fields of adaptation, human geography, and environmental management, and we would anticipate we could offer a rich contribution in our own right to the conference. This includes via our Adjunct Professor Guy Robinson, currently Co-Chair, IGU Commission on Agricultural Geography & Land Engineering (AGLE)

On behalf of the team at GEP, I am happy to offer support for this bid. Melbourne itself is a dynamic and exciting city, and would be a perfect venue for such a conference and we would be happy to strongly promote it amongst our networks.

Sincerely,

Dr. Melissa Nursey-Bray

Interim Head of School, School of Social Sciences Associate Professor, Head of Department Geography, Environment and Population Faculty of Arts, University of Adelaide, North Terrace, South Australia 5005.

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Geography and Planning University of New England Armidale NSW 2351 Australia

Professor RB Singh Secretary General International Geographical Union c/o University of Delhi Department of Geography Delhi School of Economics Delhi-110007 India

24 December 2019

Dear Professor Singh,

RE: Support for the Bid to host the 2028 International Geographical Congress in Melbourne

The division of Geography and planning at the University of New England understands that Melbourne is being considered as the host city for the 2028 International Geographical Congress. This is pleasing news and I write to you to express strong support for the bid.

The University of New England is Australia’s oldest regional university and its most experienced provider of online education. The discipline of Geography and Planning at UNE and a broad and significant research profile covering fields such as rural population dynamics, regional development, agribusiness, conservation biogeography, fluvial geomorphology, landscape ecology. The discipline is also host to one of Australia’s largest degrees in urban and regional planning.

Having the 2028 Congress in Melbourne would provide an excellent opportunity for our organisation to interact with a wide range of experts in the field and to showcase the research of our early career and post-graduate researchers.

We are confident that holding the Congress in Melbourne will offer an excellent experience for all attendees. Melbourne is a large and dynamic city with well-developed infrastructure, making it more than capable of hosting a successful event in 2028. Should the bid be successful, Geography and Planning at UNE will assist in promoting the Congress among its members and related networks.

Sincerely,

Dr Michael Reid Associate Professor, Convenor Geography and Planning University of New England

MELBOURNE | AUSTRALIA IGC 2028 98 LETTER OF SUPPORT

Professor RB Singh Secretary General International Geographical Union c/o University of Delhi Department of Geography Delhi School of Economics Delhi-110007 India

18 November 2019

RE: Support for the Bid to host the 2028 International Geographical Congress in Melbourne

As Head of the School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences at UNSW, I write in support for the proposal from Melbourne as host city for the 2028 International Geographical Congress. The School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences at UNSW a large school with research and teaching interests that span geography, geology, biology and climate sciences. In 2019, the school has 159 staff (58 academics, 62 research staff, 39 professional staff) and 154 PhD researchers. In 2019, we received over $AUD 17M in external research funding and our academics were chief investigators on 47 prestigious grants from the Australian Research Council, including 11 fellowships (6 DECRA, 4 Future Fellows and 1 Laureate Fellow). The ARC Centre of Excellence for Climate Extremes (established in 2017) is led from the School, and the School forms a major node in the ARC Centre of Excellence in Australian Biodiversity and Heritage. Having the 2028 Congress in Melbourne would provide an excellent opportunity for academics at UNSW to interact with a wide range of experts in the field. This is an exciting opportunity for Australia’s and New Zealand’s geographical community and we trust you will receive this letter as a solid indication of our support for the Melbourne bid to host the 2028 Congress. I am pleased to offer support from the School of Biological, Earth and Environmental to the proposal. Should the bid be successful, the School will assist in promoting the Congress among its members and related networks. I expect academics and higher degree students from UNSW would attend and the School will consider some sponsorship should the Melbourne bid be successful. Sincerely,

Alistair Poore Head of School & Professor School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences University of New South Wales Sydney NSW 2052 Australia [email protected]

UNSW SYDNEY NSW 2052 AUSTRALIA T +61 (2) 9385 2154 | F +61 (2) 9385 1558 | ABN 57 195 873 179 | CRICOS Provider Code 00098G

MELBOURNE | AUSTRALIA IGC 2028 99 LETTER OF SUPPORT

6/12/2019, International Geographical Union,

I am writing to indicate the support of the Discipline of Geography and Environmental Studies at the University of Newcastle of the bid of the Melbourne Organising Committee to host the 2028 IGU Congress. The team of geographers in Melbourne are outstanding. Melbourne is a wonderful place for a conference and I am certain that the Australian geographical community would wholeheartedly support once again hosting the conference in Australia.

I was fortunate to attend the 1988 IGU Congress in Sydney as a volunteer when I was an Honours student. It was my first ever academic conference and set me on the path to being an academic geographer. I am confident that hosting the conference in Australia would provide wonderful opportunities for the next generation of geographers from the Asia-Pacific region.

If the Melbourne bid were successful, the geographers at the University of Newcastle:

1. Would advertise the Congress, and encourage our staff and students to attend 2. Have strong ties to cognate Disciplines, including Aboriginal Studies, housing studies, planning, politics and sociology. We would use our networks to advertise the Congress and encourage other colleagues to attend. 3. Our Discipline also has a strong representation on the Council of the Geographical Society of NSW which is responsible for the journal Australian Geographer. We would be happy to use these links to promote the Congress and to encourage special issues of the journal arising from the Congress. 4. Through the Geographical Society of NSW we also have links to the Geography Teaching Association of Australia. We would use these links to promote the Congress to geography teachers across Australia. 5. The Discipline also has a strong history of representation in the leadership of IAG Study Groups. At the IGU Regional Conference in Brisbane, geographers from our institution were responsible for organising sessions in every parallel paper session at the conference through their positions on the IAG study groups. We would be excited about the opportunity to take a similar role in encouraging conference sessions should the IGU Congress be held in Melbourne. 6. We would also be interested in holding a satellite conference event, involving a field trip and IAG Study Group meeting in Newcastle prior to or following the IGU Congress should the opportunity arise.

In summary, we wholeheartedly support the bid of our colleagues in Melbourne to host the IGU Congress in 2028. Please contact me if you have any questions.

MELBOURNE | AUSTRALIA IGC 2028 100 LETTER OF SUPPORT

Yours Sincerely,

Associate Professor Kathy Mee Head of Discipline of Geography and Environmental Studies,

Deputy Program Convenor of the Bachelor of Development Studies, University of Newcastle. T +61 2 4921 6451 [email protected]

MELBOURNE | AUSTRALIA IGC 2028 101 LETTER OF SUPPORT

School of Earth and

Environmental Sciences

HEAD OF SCHOOL

Professor Jonathan Aitchison

25 November 2019

Professor RB Singh Secretary General International Geographical Union c/o University of Delhi Department of Geography Delhi School of Economics Delhi-110007 India

Dear Professor Singh,

RE: Support for the Bid to host the 2028 International Geographical Congress in Melbourne

The School of Earth and Environmental Sciences (SEES), The University of Queensland (UQ) understands that Melbourne is being considered as the host city for the 2028 International Geographical Congress. This is pleasing news and I write to you to express strong support for the bid.

The University of Queensland (UQ) is one of Australia’s Group of Eight, a charter member of edX and a founding member of Universitas 21, an international consortium of leading research-intensive universities. Our 50,000-plus strong student community includes more than 13,000 postgraduate scholars and more than 12,000 international students from 144 countries, adding to its proud 240,000-plus alumni. The University has about 7,000 academic and professional staff and a $1.8 billion annual operating budget.

UQ ranks in the world’s top universities, as measured by several key independent ranking, including the Performance Ranking of Scientific Papers for World Universities (43), the US News Best Global Universities Rankings (52), QS World University Rankings (47), Academic Ranking of World Universities (55), and the Times Higher Education World University Rankings (65). This year, UQ again topped the nation in the prestigious Nature Index (NI) and our 2019 NI ranking in the field of Earth and Environmental Sciences is in the top 25 amongst the academic sector globally.

The School of Earth and Environmental Sciences (SEES) is part of the UQ Faculty of Science and currently has 104 academic staff, and 31 professional and technical staff and over 1,120 equivalent full-time students. The School’s extensive teaching and research activities span the fields of geology, human and physical geography, environmental science and management, biodiversity conservation, geospatial science and remote sensing, mineral resources, palaeontology, occupational health and safety sciences, and urban and regional planning. SEES teaches into a diverse range of programs for undergraduate, honours and postgraduate coursework students, and higher degree by research programs. The School has a vibrant, multidisciplinary research profile and enjoys consistent success in securing nationally competitive grants, industry funding, publishing numerous papers in high- quality international journals as well as having an important influence in areas related to government policy and industry practice.

The University of Queensland T +61 7 3346 7010 E [email protected] ABN: 63 942 912 684 Brisbane QLD 4072 Australia W uq.edu.au CRICOS PROVIDER NUMBER 00025B

MELBOURNE | AUSTRALIA IGC 2028 102 LETTER OF SUPPORT

UQ’s research excellence in earth and environmental sciences is world renowned, and is reflected by our consistent high ranking in respected global league tables. According to the latest QS World University Rankings by Subject, we are:

• #1 in Australia and #11 in the world for Environmental Sciences • #37 in the world for Geography • #40 the world for Earth and Marine Sciences.

The latest Academic Ranking of World Universities by Subject also places us #30 in the world for Geography. In the current (2019) Nature Index for Earth and Environmental Sciences, The University of Queensland is 1st in Australia and ranks 34th amongst academic institutions globally.

This is an exciting opportunity for Australia’s and New Zealand’s geographical community and we trust you will receive this letter as a solid indication of our support for the Melbourne bid to host the 2028 Congress.

We are confident that holding the Congress in Melbourne will offer an excellent experience for all attendees. Melbourne is a large and dynamic city with well-developed infrastructure, making it more than capable of hosting a successful event in 2028. Should the bid be successful, the School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, The University of Queensland will assist in promoting the Congress among its members and related networks.

Sincerely,

Professor Jonathan Aitchison Head of School, Earth and Environmental Sciences The University of Queensland

The University of Queensland T +61 7 3346 7010 E [email protected] ABN: 63 942 912 684 Brisbane QLD 4072 Australia W uq.edu.au CRICOS PROVIDER NUMBER 00025B

MELBOURNE | AUSTRALIA IGC 2028 103 LETTER OF SUPPORT

Bill Pritchard Professor in Geography, Head, School of Geosciences

16 November 2019

Professor RB Singh Secretary General International Geographical Union c/o University of Delhi Department of Geography Delhi School of Economics Delhi-110007 India

Dear Professor Singh,

RE: Support for the Bid to host the 2028 International Geographical Congress in Melbourne

As Head of the School of Geosciences at the University of Sydney, I am delighted to support the proposal from Melbourne as host city for the 2028 International Geographical Congress.

The School of Gesociences at the University of Sydney hosts the oldest Geography program in any Australian university. We are a vibrant group of Geographers covering both Physical and Human sub-disciplinary fields.

This is an exciting opportunity for Australia’s and New Zealand’s geographical community and we trust you will receive this letter as a solid indication of our support for the Melbourne bid to host the 2028 Congress.

I am confident that holding the Congress in Melbourne will offer an excellent experience for all attendees. Melbourne is a large and dynamic city with well-developed infrastructure, making it more than capable of hosting a successful event in 2028. Should the bid be successful, the School of Geosciences will assist in promoting the Congress among our staff and students, and I would fully expect that we will make a strong contribution in terms of attendees and the convening of sessions, including the possibility of a pre-/post- conference field trip in Sydney to complement the Congress program.

Regards

Bill Pritchard

School of Geosciences T +61 2 93513309 ABN 15 211 513 464 CRICOS 00026A Faculty of Science E [email protected] 450 Madsen Building sydney.edu.au The University of Sydney NSW 2006 Australia

MELBOURNE | AUSTRALIA IGC 2028 104 LETTER OF SUPPORT

21 November 2019

Professor RB Singh

Secretary General

International Geographical Union

c/o University of Delhi Department of Geography Delhi School of Economics Delhi-110007 India

21 November 2019

Dear Professor Singh,

RE: Support for the Bid to host the 2028 International Geographical Congress in Melbourne

I am writing on behalf of the Discipline of Geography and Spatial Sciences at University of Tasmania, Australia, to give my strongest support the proposal from Melbourne as host city for the 2028 International Geographical Congress.

The Discipline of Geography and Spatial Sciences hosts Australia’s leading group of spatial scientist researchers along with other outstanding researchers and scholars working in the fields of climate risk, Earth observation, landscape-scale conservation and resilient social-ecological systems. We recently hosted the 2019 conference of the Australian Institute of Geographers here in Hobart and fully appreciate the benefit of hosting a conference locally.

This is an exciting opportunity for Australia’s and New Zealand’s geographical community, and we trust that you will receive this letter as a very strong indication of our support for the Melbourne bid to host the 2028 Congress.

I am confident that Melbourne will offer an excellent experience for all attendees, and I am pleased to offer support to the proposal: I will encourage and support my staff to attend, and propose and lead side workshops, and offer their time to the organising committee should the Melbourne bid be successful.

Melbourne is well known in hosting major events and we would be happy to assist in promoting the event through our professional networks.

Sincerely,

Prof Matt King

Head of Geography and Spatial Sciences

University of Tasmania

Geography and Spatial Private Bag 76 T +61 3 6226 1974 Sciences Hobart Tasmania E [email protected] 7001 AUSTRALIA School of Technology, W http://www.utas.edu.au/profiles/staff/matt-king Environments and Design ABN 30 764 374 782 / CRICOS 00586B utas.edu.au

MELBOURNE | AUSTRALIA IGC 2028 105 LETTER OF SUPPORT

Professor Jane Balme Head of School of Social Sciences School of Social Sciences

14th January 2020

Professor RB Singh Secretary General International Geographical Union c/o University of Delhi Department of Geography Delhi School of Economics Delhi-110007 India

Dear Professor Singh, RE: Support for the Bid to host the 2028 International Geographical Congress in Melbourne

We express our strongest support for the proposal from Melbourne as host city for the 2028 International Geographical Congress. It has been over 30 years since this important congress for geographers worldwide was held in the southern hemisphere (in Sydney in 1988) and, for reasons of diversity, inclusiveness, and recognition, we believe the time is right for this Australian bid. Geography at the University of Western Australia is a leading teaching and research group, well regarded at the international level. We were rated as ‘well above world standard’ in Human Geography (being one of only two Australian universities receiving this highest rating, the other being the University of Melbourne) and ‘above world standard’ in Physical Geography in the 2018 Australian Research Excellence exercise. Our staff includes a number of highly cited scholars and leading researchers who are also committed to strengthening the development of the discipline both at the national and international level. Having the 2028 Congress in Melbourne would provide an excellent opportunity for us to interact with a wide range of experts in the field and advance scholarship along novel and critical axes. We wish to underscore the importance of the International Geographical Congress, and to demonstrate our support and commitment to the event, UWA would be willing and able to provide: • Assistance in the development of the Congress program • Promotion of the event to our members along with other relevant industry bodies and associations using a number of platforms • Proposing and running special sessions centred around our group’s expertise and contributions to critical debates • Hosting a pre-/post- conference workshop to complement the Congress program • Sponsorship of delegate attendance

Yours sincerely,

Professor Jane Balme Head of School of Social Science

The University of Western Australia T +61 8 6488 0000 E [email protected] M000, Perth WA 6009 Australia M +61 000 000 000 CRICOS Provider Code 00126G

MELBOURNE | AUSTRALIA IGC 2028 106 LETTER OF SUPPORT

Professor RB Singh Secretary General International Geographical Union c/o University of Delhi Department of Geography Delhi School of Economics Delhi-110007 India

8 January 2020

Dear Professor Singh,

RE: Support for the Bid to host the 2028 International Geographical Congress in Melbourne

I understands that Melbourne is being considered as the host city for the 2028 International Geographical Congress. This is pleasing news and I write to you to express strong support for the bid.

In my School of Earth, Atmospheric and Life Sciences at the University of Wollongong, Australia, we offer a number of undergraduate and postgraduate courses in or directly related to Geography, supported by a highly esteemed team of student-centered educators and world-leading expert researchers. The contribution that these experts could make to the IGC program would be highly significant.

This is an exciting opportunity for Australia’s and New Zealand’s geographical community and we trust you will receive this letter as a solid indication of our support for the Melbourne bid to host the 2028 Congress.

I am confident that holding the Congress in Melbourne will offer an excellent experience for all attendees. Melbourne is a large and dynamic city with well-developed infrastructure, making it more than capable of hosting a successful event in 2028. Should the bid be successful, we will assist in promoting the Congress among its members and related networks.

Sincerely,

Guang R Shi

Senior Professor and Head of School

MELBOURNE | AUSTRALIA IGC 2028 107 LETTER OF SUPPORT

Professor RB Singh

Secretary General

International Geographical Union

c/o University of Delhi

Department of Geography

Delhi School of Economics

Delhi-110007 India

17 December 2019

Dear Professor Singh,

RE: Support for the Bid to host the 2028 International Geographical Congress in Melbourne

The School of Geography and Sustainable Communities, University of Wollongong, is delighted to support the proposal from Melbourne as host city for the 2028 International Geographical Congress. This is exciting news and I write to you to express strong support from colleagues in the School of Geography and Sustainable Communities (SGSC) for the bid.

The values of the IGC strongly resonate with the SGSC – that is to promote Geography through initiating and coordinating geographical research and teaching.

The bid to host the 2028 International Geographical Congress creates a unique opportunity for the 16 staff and 25 Higher Degree Research Students that comprise the SGSC. Amongst members of the SGSC are world-leading experts in the fields of economic, urban and cultural geographies. The contribution that these experts could make to the IGC program would be highly significant. Moreover, hosting an IGU in Melbourne provides a unique opportunity for emerging early career researchers through the opportunity to meet with colleagues from across the world.

MELBOURNE | AUSTRALIA IGC 2028 108 LETTER OF SUPPORT

•

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MELBOURNE | AUSTRALIA IGC 2028 109 LETTER OF SUPPORT

Professor RB Singh Secretary General International Geographical Union c/o University of Delhi Department of Geography Delhi School of Economics Delhi-110007 India

17 December 2019

Dear Professor Singh,

RE: Support for the Bid to host the 2028 International Geographical Congress in Melbourne

We are delighted to support the proposal from Melbourne as host city for the 2028 International Geographical Congress. I am the Discipline Leader of Geography and Leader of our Urban and Regional Research Program based in the School of Social Sciences at Western Sydney University. Myself along with my team of world leading researchers consider this as an excellent opportunity for our organisation to interact with a wide range of experts in the field. We are looking forward to contributing to the IGC program and supporting this highly significant event, if Melbourne is successful. This represents an exciting opportunity for Australia’s and New Zealand’s geographical community. My letter endorsed by my colleagues, provides a solid indication of our support for the Melbourne bid to host the 2028 Congress.

We are confident that Melbourne will offer an excellent experience for all attendees, and we are pleased to offer support to the proposal. Western Sydney University would be willing to sponsor a number of delegates to attend and speak at the Congress as well as ahost a pre- or post-conference event/workshop to complement the Congress program. We would also welcome exhibiting at the Congress should the Melbourne bid be successful. We would also assist in promoting the Congress through our international and regional networks of both academics and relevant industry, as we very much consider this to be a worthwhile initiative. We wish Melbourne every success in its bid. The local organising committee have already demonstrated a thorough commitment and meticulous understanding of what it entails to organise such a prestigious event of this kind – and we are backing them.

Sincerely,

Professor Nicky Morrison Geography Discipline Leader Leader Urban and Regional Research Program School of Social Sciences Western Sydney University

MELBOURNE | AUSTRALIA IGC 2028 110 LETTER OF SUPPORT

9 September 2019

Emeritus Professor Yukio Himiyama President The International Geographical Union c/- Department of Environmental & Geographical Science South Lane University of Cape Town Rondebosch 7701 Cape Town South Africa

Dear Emeritus Professor Himiyama,

RE: International Geographical Congress 2028

It is with great pleasure that we extend an invitation to hold the 2028 International Geographical Congress in Melbourne, Australia.

By choosing Melbourne, you will be hosting your meeting in Australasia’s leading Meetings and Conference Destination as named by World Travel Awards in 2018.

Melbourne is a stable, prosperous city and a gateway to the Asia-Pacific region. With its ease of navigation and temperate climate, visitors are drawn to Melbourne to explore its labyrinth of laneways and experience its innovative food and wine scene, thriving culture and year-round calendar of major events.

The venue for the International Geographical Congress will be the state-of-the-art Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC). The fully-integrated MCEC is the largest convention and exhibition space totaling 70,000 square metres this includes a pillar-less exhibition space, a 5500+ seat multi-functional Plenary and award-winning catering and technology. MCEC is the only centre in Australia to offer on-site accommodation, with the five-star Pan Pacific Melbourne and four-star Novotel Melbourne South Wharf directly connected via private internal walkways, with a further 5000 rooms within a five- minute walk of the Centre.

In addition, Melbourne offers excellent air access with 35 leading carriers flying to the city from 40 international destinations 523 times per week. Melbourne’s comprehensive transport network and touring companies will also enable delegates to travel to other parts of Victoria and Australia for pre and post touring. For delegates that require public transport to get around the city and Docklands, tram travel is free.

The Melbourne Convention Bureau is one of the world’s few full-service convention bureau, providing complete support and advice from bid stage right through to event execution. We can connect you to local and state government, local experts in your field and relevant suppliers to ensure your event in Melbourne runs seamlessly.

If Melbourne is chosen as the host city for International Geographical Congress, conference organisers and delegates will experience a safe, welcoming and vibrant city with an exceptional track record in hosting major international conferences.

It is therefore with great confidence that I offer Melbourne, Australia, as the host city for the 2028 International Geographical Congress.

Yours sincerely

JULIA SWANSON ACTING CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER MELBOURNE CONVENTION BUREAU

MELBOURNE | AUSTRALIA IGC 2028 111 LETTER OF SUPPORT

8 October 2019

Emeritus Professor Yukio Himiyama President The International Geographical Union c/- Department of Environmental & Geographical Science South Lane University of Cape Town Rondebosch 7701 Cape Town South Africa

Dear Emeritus Professor Himiyama,

Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) has great pleasure in supporting the bid for the International Geographical Congress 2028.

MCEC is Melbourne’s destination for big ideas and inspirational events. Hosting more than 1000 events each year, we are internationally renowned for our incredible range of spaces, innovative design and jaw-dropping food.

Our venue is part of a vibrant events precinct in the heart of the world’s most liveable city. Located on the banks of Melbourne’s iconic Yarra River, MCEC brings people together to deliver world-class events that ignite inspiration and create memorable visitor experiences. That is why MCEC was voted Australasia’s leading Meeting & Conference Centre at the World Travel Awards 2018.

We’re distinctly Melbourne, and we’ve been inspired by the creative, cultural and diverse delights of this place we call home. We’re constantly finding ways to improve, creating new experiences and products to deliver you and your guests the best possible experience. From cutting-edge technology and design to mind-boggling culinary creations, we partner with leading minds from around the world to ensure your events go beyond expectations.

MCEC’s new expansion opened in July 2018, making us Australia’s largest convention and exhibition space. The expansion adds 20,000 square metres to the venue, increasing MCEC’s total size to 70,000 square metres. It is a high quality, adaptable, functional and aesthetically pleasing addition to what is already an outstanding venue.

Drawing inspiration from Melbourne’s unique blend of culturally diverse food, MCEC elevates the dining experience for a modern international audience. Our innovative chefs have a wealth of experience and a passion for creating unique new tastes. Our food is vibrant, diverse and bold. Utilising the freshest seasonal produce from local producers, suppliers and winemakers, our chefs’ sense of curiosity and passion for flavor guides our award-winning food and beverage offering, which I know you’ll love.

At MCEC, we recognise that no two events are the same. That’s why we partner with our customers to offer ideas and insights that are tailored to your needs, and we do what we can to make every moment personal. Logistically, on-site accommodation at MCEC is easily accessible, with an internal link from our venue to adjacent accommodation providers. MCEC is surrounded by some of Melbourne’s best bars and restaurants and with numerous parking, public transport and taxi options on-site, commuting across the city has never been easier.

Add all of this to Melbourne’s unique character – a vibrant city with a relaxed atmosphere – and you’ll find yourself in the perfect place to learn, to share and to be inspired in the world’s most liveable city.

MCEC is pleased to commit to a financial support package, undertaken in conjunction with the Melbourne Convention Bureau, which you can find details of in the Melbourne Package of Citywide Support document.

Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you would like any further information. I hope to welcome you to MCEC in the future.

Yours sincerely,

Peter King Chief Executive

MELBOURNE | AUSTRALIA IGC 2028 112 LETTER OF SUPPORT

9 September 2019

Emeritus Professor Yukio Himiyama President The International Geographical Union c/- Department of Environmental & Geographical Science South Lane University of Cape Town Rondebosch 7701 Cape Town South Africa

Dear Emeritus Professor Himiyama, It is with pleasure that we support Melbourne’s bid for the International Geographical Congress 2028. Skybus offers an affordable and convenient option for airport transfers for delegates. SkyBus operates express airport transfers from Melbourne Airport kerbside straight to the heart of Melbourne City, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including all public holidays. Services run every 10 minutes most hours of the day, and every 3-4 minutes during all peak periods. SkyBus also provides a service to and from Avalon Airport to connect with all International and Domestic flight movements into Victoria. We provide a modern high capacity fleet. fully equipped with free Wi-Fi services on each vehicle. On arrival at our city base, SkyBus Link Service can safely transport delegates between Southern Cross Station, and conveniently located stops throughout the CBD – at no additional charge. No reservations are necessary, allowing passengers maximum flexibility to travel to and from Melbourne Airport. Our friendly staff at Melbourne Airport can assist delegates with ticketing, or delegates can pre-purchase their transfers on our user-friendly website, available in both English and Simplified Chinese. Skybus also offers discounts for conferences over 1,000 delegates in Melbourne. Once successful, Melbourne Convention Bureau can facilitate this introduction. We look forward to discussing how we can service your delegates and to welcome everyone to Melbourne for the 2028 International Geographical Congress.

SkyBus Melbourne SkyBus Auckland 1300 SKYBUS 0800 SKYBUS www.skybus.com.au www.skybus.co.nz [email protected] [email protected] 29 Francis Briggs Road 64 Westney Road Mangere Melbourne Airport 3045 Auckland 2022 Australia New Zealand

MELBOURNE | AUSTRALIA IGC 2028 113 LETTER OF SUPPORT

ANZAC House Level 4, 4 Collins St Melbourne VIC 3000 melbourne.org.au T +61 (3) 9650 8800 E [email protected] ABN 56 203 402 373

11 September 2019

Emeritus Professor Yukio Himiyama President The International Geographical Union c/- Department of Environmental & Geographical Science South Lane University of Cape Town Rondebosch 7701 Cape Town South Africa

Dear Professor Himiyama,

It gives me great pleasure to support Melbourne's proposal to host the International Geographical Congress 2028.

From my perspective as the Chief Executive Officer of the Committee for Melbourne (a private, non-profit network of senior leaders drawn from Melbourne’s business, science, academic and community sectors), I am very well aware of the many excellent attributes Melbourne has to offer an event of this nature and importance.

Our city has an extraordinarily good track record for staging national and international sporting, cultural and business events. We're not only home to Australia's leaders in commerce, medicine, industry, and the arts, but we're also a sports mad group - playing host to a wide range of major international sporting events each year.

Melbourne also offers many other important qualities. These include our multiculturalism - which provides us the opportunity to serve up some of the nations’ best from more than 70 national cuisines; our transport infrastructure - with our comprehensive and unique tram network providing convention delegates with an easy and enjoyable way to move around; and our picturesque bayside setting - that is enhanced by tree-lined boulevards and magnificent parks and gardens.

I believe Melbourne would be a wonderful host city for the International Geographical Congress 2028 and therefore commend this bid to you and your Site Selection Committee.

Yours Sincerely,

Martine Letts Chief Executive Officer Committee for Melbourne

Shaping Melbourne's future

MELBOURNE | AUSTRALIA IGC 2028 114 LETTER OF SUPPORT

9 September 2019

Emeritus Professor Yukio Himiyama President The International Geographical Union c/- Department of Environmental & Geographical Science South Lane University of Cape Town Rondebosch 7701 Cape Town South Africa

RE: International Geographical Congress 2028

Dear Emeritus Professor Yukio Himiyama,

It is with great pleasure that we support the bid for Melbourne Convention Bureau to host the International Geographical Congress 2028.

Melbourne Airport has an established track record of working with a range of Melbourne major event agencies and conference organisers to deliver a coordinated response for conventions and events.

Here at Melbourne Airport, we are confident that Melbourne will offer an excellent experience for all attendees, and we are pleased to offer support to the proposal by indicating that Melbourne Airport will assist in the arrival of delegates through the airport.

We look forward to welcoming the delegates of the International Geographical Congress in 2028.

Yours Sincerely,

JAI MCDERMOTT Executive Corporate & Public Affairs

MELBOURNE | AUSTRALIA IGC 2028 115 APPENDIX 2 BUDGET BUDGET AUD $ - $ 120,363.70 $ 187,500.00 $ 650,000.00 $ $ 60,000.00 $ $ 72,727.00 $ 72,727.00 $ 44,181.45 $ 10,909.20 $ 87,273.00 $ 17,454.40 1,302,911.45 $ $ 35,227.50 $ 31,818.00 $ 25,909.50 $ 17,590.50 $ 60,000.00 2,320,775.15 $ $ 768,183.00 $ 768,183.00 $ 163,637.50 $ 130,909.50 $ 5,818.20 $ 1,818.20 $ 5,454.60 $ 4,363.60 $ 187,500.00 $ 500,000.00 $ 150,000.00 Unit Cost Cost Unit $ - $ 590.91 $ 590.91 $ 654.55 $ 727.27 $ 290.91 $ 327.27 $ 363.64 $ 290.91 $ 218.18 $ 290.91 $ 363.64 $ 281.82 $ 318.18 $ 363.64 $ 172.73 $ 195.45 $ 218.18 $ 150.00 $ 3,000.00 $ 3,000.00 $ 500,000.00 $ 500,000.00 $ 150,000.00 BASED ON 2670 PARTICIPANTS 5 1 1 30 80 20 15 90 20 20 10 250 100 450 135 300 125 100 150 500 1300 2670 1250 Qty AUD $ - $ 650,000.00 $ $ 165,000.00 $ $ 96,045.55 $ 60,000.00 $ $ 54,545.25 $ 54,545.25 $ 39,272.40 $ 72,727.50 $ 13,090.80 1,148,002.05 $ $ 28,182.00 $ 23,863.50 $ 21,591.25 $ 13,681.50 $ 60,000.00 2,119,047.60 $ $ 709,092.00 $ 709,092.00 $ 130,910.00 $ 116,364.00 $ 7,272.80 $ 2,909.10 $ 1,818.20 $ 5,454.60 $ 3,272.70 $ 165,000.00 $ 500,000.00 $ 150,000.00 Unit Cost Cost Unit $ - $ 590.91 $ 590.91 $ 654.55 $ 727.27 $ 290.91 $ 327.27 $ 363.64 $ 290.91 $ 218.18 $ 290.91 $ 363.64 $ 281.82 $ 318.18 $ 363.64 $ 172.73 $ 195.45 $ 218.18 $ 150.00 $ 3,000.00 $ 3,000.00 $ 500,000.00 $ 500,000.00 $ 150,000.00 BASED ON 2340 PARTICIPANTS 5 1 1 75 20 60 10 75 15 70 15 20 10 200 400 120 250 100 125 400 1200 2340 1100 Qty AUD $ - $ 650,000.00 $ $ 150,000.00 $ $ 71,727.40 $ 60,000.00 $ $ 36,363.50 $ 36,363.50 $ 32,727.00 $ 58,182.00 1,058,365.85 $ $ 21,136.50 $ 15,909.00 $ 17,273.00 $ 60,000.00 1,990,093.25 $ $ 650,001.00 $ 650,001.00 $ 163,637.50 $ 101,818.50 $ 3,636.40 $ 8,727.20 $ 1,454.55 $ 1,818.20 $ 5,454.60 $ 9,772.50 $ 2,181.80 $ 150,000.00 $ 500,000.00 $ 150,000.00 Unit Cost Cost Unit $ - $ 590.91 $ 590.91 $ 654.55 $ 727.27 $ 290.91 $ 327.27 $ 363.64 $ 290.91 $ 218.18 $ 290.91 $ 363.64 $ 281.82 $ 318.18 $ 363.64 $ 172.73 $ 195.45 $ 218.18 $ 150.00 $ 3,000.00 $ 3,000.00 $ 500,000.00 $ 500,000.00 $ 150,000.00 BASED ON 2110 PARTICIPANTS 5 5 1 1 50 10 40 75 50 15 50 10 20 10 250 350 100 200 100 300 1100 2110 1000 Qty 200) € 150) 250) 225) € € SUBTOTAL INCOME SUBTOTAL € 200) 250) € 450) € € 400) 200) 500) € € € IGC 2028 MelbourneIGC Budget Bid INCOME Registrations Early (US$440/ (AU$650) Registration Full (US$500/ (AU$720) Regular Registration Full (US$550/ (AU$800) Late Registration Full Early (US$220/ (AU$320) Registration Student (US$250/ (AU$360) Regular Registration Student (US$280/ (AU$400) Late Registration Student (US$220/ (AU$320) Developing Country Early (US$165/ (AU$240) Person Accompanying (US$220/ (AU$320) Regular Person Accompanying (US$275/ (AU$400) Late Person Accompanying Subtotal Registrations Registrations Day (AU$310) Early Registration Day Full FullDay Registration (AU$350) Standard FullDay Registration Late (AU$400) Day Early Registration (AU$190) Student StudentDay Registration Standard (AU$215) Day (AU$240) Late Registration Student Registrations Subtotal Day Gala Dinner Gala Dinner - optional attendance Subtotal Gala Dinner Exhibition Exhibition Booths Booths Exhibition Complimentary Subtotal Exhibition Sponsorship Victorian State Government Funding Sponsorship Commercial Subtotal Sponsorship Registration income has been calculated has been calculated income Registration Note: Goods Government the 10% Australian excluding (GST) Tax and Services

MELBOURNE | AUSTRALIA IGC 2028 117 BUDGET AUD $ 544,650.00 $ 333,500.00 $ 150,150.15 $ $ 28,400.00 $ 32,300.00 $ 40,000.00 $ 27,500.00 $ 30,000.00 $ 36,000.00 $ 40,000.00 $ 39,525.00 $ $ 12,500.00 $ 12,500.00 $ 20,000.00 $ 40,000.00 $ 10,000.00 $ 10,000.00 $ 17,000.00 $ 75,000.00 $ 10,500.00 $ 15,000.00 $ 10,500.00 $ 40,000.00 $ 33,525.00 $ 73,500.00 $ 10,000.00 $ 12,500.00 $ 55,000.00 1,018,750.00 $ 2,170,625.00 $ $ 2,320,775.15 $ 2,170,625.00 $ 2,400.00 $ 2,400.00 $ 6,000.00 $ 7,500.00 $ 5,000.00 $ 7,300.00 $ 7,500.00 $ 6,000.00 $ 7,000.00 $ 464,150.00 $ 5,500.00 $ 6,000.00 $ 250,000.00 $ 220,000.00 $ 352,000.00 $ 198,000.00 $ 181,250.00 Unit Cost Cost Unit $ 5.00 $ 5.00 $ 3.00 $ 350.00 $ 15,000.00 $ 10,000.00 $ 100.00 $ 5.00 $ 100.00 $ 160.00 $ 145.00 $ 70.00 $ 70.00 $ 5,000.00 $ 6,000.00 $ 20.00 $ 90.00 $ 22.00 BASED ON 2500 PARTICIPANTS 1 8 1 1 30 150 500 2500 2500 2500 2500 2200 2200 2200 1250 2500 Qty AUD $ 544,650.00 $ 303,500.00 $ 918,900.00 $ $ 25,300.00 $ 32,300.00 $ 40,000.00 $ 27,500.00 $ 26,500.00 $ 36,000.00 $ 40,000.00 $ 39,525.00 $ 84,872.60 $ $ 11,000.00 $ 11,000.00 $ 20,000.00 $ 40,000.00 $ 10,000.00 $ 10,000.00 $ 15,000.00 $ 75,000.00 $ 10,500.00 $ 15,000.00 $ 10,500.00 $ 40,000.00 $ 33,525.00 $ 73,500.00 $ 10,000.00 $ 11,000.00 $ 48,400.00 2,034,175.00 $ $ 2,119,047.60 $ 2,034,175.00 $ 2,200.00 $ 2,200.00 $ 5,500.00 $ 6,600.00 $ 5,000.00 $ 7,300.00 $ 7,500.00 $ 5,500.00 $ 6,000.00 $ 464,150.00 $ 5,500.00 $ 6,000.00 $ 220,000.00 $ 200,000.00 $ 320,000.00 $ 180,000.00 $ 159,500.00 Unit Cost Cost Unit $ 5.00 $ 5.00 $ 3.00 $ 350.00 $ 15,000.00 $ 33,525.00 $ 100.00 $ 5.00 $ 100.00 $ 160.00 $ 145.00 $ 70.00 $ 70.00 $ 5,000.00 $ 6,000.00 $ 20.00 $ 90.00 $ 22.00 BASED ON 2200 PARTICIPANTS 1 8 1 1 30 150 500 2200 2200 2200 2200 2000 2000 2000 1100 2200 Qty AUD $ 544,650.00 $ 283,500.00 $ 829,000.00 $ $ 23,700.00 $ 32,300.00 $ 40,000.00 $ 27,500.00 $ 25,000.00 $ 36,000.00 $ 40,000.00 $ 39,525.00 $ 68,918.25 $ $ 10,000.00 $ 10,000.00 $ 20,000.00 $ 40,000.00 $ 10,000.00 $ 10,000.00 $ 13,500.00 $ 75,000.00 $ 10,500.00 $ 15,000.00 $ 10,500.00 $ 40,000.00 $ 33,525.00 $ 73,500.00 $ 10,000.00 $ 10,000.00 $ 44,000.00 1,921,175.00 $ $ 1,990,093.25 $ 1,921,175.00 $ 2,200.00 $ 2,200.00 $ 5,500.00 $ 6,000.00 $ 5,000.00 $ 7,300.00 $ 7,500.00 $ 5,500.00 $ 6,000.00 $ 464,150.00 $ 5,500.00 $ 6,000.00 $ 200,000.00 $ 180,000.00 $ 288,000.00 $ 162,000.00 $ 145,000.00 Unit Cost Cost Unit $ 5.00 $ 5.00 $ 3.00 $ 350.00 $ 15,000.00 $ 33,525.00 $ 100.00 $ 5.00 $ 100.00 $ 160.00 $ 145.00 $ 70.00 $ 70.00 $ 5,000.00 $ 6,000.00 $ 20.00 $ 90.00 $ 22.00 BASED ON 2000 PARTICIPANTS 1 8 1 1 30 150 500 2000 2000 2000 2000 1800 1800 1800 1000 2000 Qty SUBTOTAL INCOME INCOME SUBTOTAL SUBTOTAL EXPENDITURE EXPENDITURE SUBTOTAL SUBTOTAL EXPENDITURE SUBTOTAL EXPENDITURE Administration Costs Disbursements Postage Couriers/Freight Packing Envelope Registration Costs Administration Subtotal Marketing & Sponsorship Accommodation Committee Executive IGU Marketing & Overseas Promotion (US$5,000) Geographic Olympiad Subtotal Marketing Design/Print/Electronic Communications Communications Print/Design/Electronic General Subtotal Communications/Design/Print/ElectronicTechnology Website Online Forms (registration/sponsor) App Conference Technology Subtotal Management Financial Fees Card & Credit Bank Accounting & Auditing Convention Insurance Management Subtotal Financial Costs Venue/Onsite Exhibition rooms, breakout 20 Plenary, - Hire Venue Security/Cleaning Audio Visual Support Subtotal Venue/Onsite Costs Exhibition Exhibition Booths Signage Boards Poster Subtotal Exhibition Speakers & Accom Travel Speakers Keynote Subtotal Speakers Events Social Production/Entertainment Reception Welcome Gala Dinner Production/EntertainmentSubtotal Functions Fee Management Delegates Fee Management Sponsorship& Exhibition Fee (10%) Fee Abstract Management Fee Subtotal Management Variables Registration Name Badges F&B Reception Welcome Lunchdaily x 4 Morning & Afternoon Tea x 9 Gala Dinner (US$15) Fee IGU Participant Subtotal Variables Registration SUMMARY

MELBOURNE | AUSTRALIA IGC 2028 118 APPENDIX 3 FUNDING ALLOCATION FUNDING ALLOCATION

FUNDING FROM THE STATE GOVERNMENT OF VICTORIA The State Government of Victoria is extremely supportive of the bid from Melbourne to host the International Geographical Congress and is providing funding of up to AUD$500,000 as follows:

Attendance AUD$ USD$ € EUR

2,000+ delegates $500,000 $350,000 €310,000

Notes: 80% of the funding will be paid prior to the start of the event, with the final 20% payment paid following the conclusion of the event based on minimum delegate numbers of 1,500 being achieved. Funding is required to be repaid in full if minimum delegate numbers of 750 are not achieved. Please note that this funding is cash, treated as sponsorship income for the Congress and subject to a post event independent audit verifying that the funds were expended on the Congress. Funding is based on the Conference being held at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre (MCEC). Exchange rate: 1AU$ = 0.70 US$ / 0.62 EUR

MELBOURNE | AUSTRALIA IGC 2028 120 WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU IN MELBOURNE